When She Learns
When women and girls are empowered with equality, it is not just good for the woman or girl herself but for everyone around her. According to the UN, “Increasing women and girls’ education contributes to higher economic growth” and “Women’s economic equality is good for business”. And the 2012 World Development Report: Gender Equality and Development manual says, “First, gender equality matters intrinsically, because the ability to live the life of one’s own choosing and be spared from absolute deprivation is a basic human right and should be equal for everyone, independent of whether one is male or female. Second, gender equality matters instrumentally, because greater gender equality contributes to economic efficiency and the achievement of other key development outcomes.”
It is for these reasons I believe we can change the world when...
She Learns how to read and gain an education
She Learns to understand and appreciate her body
She Learns that her menstrual cycle is not a curse
She Learns she deserves respect
She Learns how to form her own theology
She Learns she is made in the image of God
She Learns she is born equal to man
She Learns she is a capable leader
She Learns to be self-sufficient
She Learns her worth is not tied to a relationship with a man
She Learns no child deserves to be a bride
She Learns she does not deserve to be abused
She Learns that her voice is a powerful force
When She Learns the earth begins to tremble as she rises with the healing force of love for herself and others. When She Learns families, communities, and even nations begin to be restored. When She Learns that she is made in the image of the Divine there is nothing that can stop her.
This is why I am thrilled to announce the start of a new organization called She Learns. She Learns is based in Uganda, Africa and is founded by my friend and trusted faith leader Fred Sebaggala.
Fred reached out to me about two years ago. His eyes were open to the abuse and inequality women and girls faced in his community and he wanted to do something about it. Fred then launched a conference called Victims to Victors addressing the issue of abuse and offering support and healing to the young girls in his community.
After attending a gender equality conference lead by my friend Rev. Domnic Misolo, Fred felt God calling him to pursue his dream of starting an organization especially to empower girls and free them from abuse. The name of the organization is: SheLearns.org
I have had the privilege of playing a small advising role in the start of this new ministry. I would ask you to take a look at the She Learns website and follow She Learns on Facebook for updates on the developing work and special projects that are coming up.
-Ashley Easter