Okay, you may feel she is a little overstated at times but the fact remains true that she does more to change the lives of women than most celebrities.
Yesterday, Oprah dedicated her hour-long show to discuss the oppression of women across the world and the organizations that are helping to make a difference. A few highlighted foundations are:
Women for Women International: An amazing foundation that provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency. ‘We’re changing the world one woman at a time,’ says founder Zainab Salbi, ‘Women who survive war are strong, resilient and courageous; they just need some support dealing with the aftermath of conflict. So, we give them the tools they need to help themselves and their families, while providing them with the education to be leaders and advocates in their communities.’
Ms. Salbi is a survivor herself, growing up in Iraq living under the shadow of Saddam Hussein. Her passion for rebuilding her own life inspired her to create Women for Women International. Since 1993, Salbi has dedicated her life to the belief that stronger women build stronger nations. To read more about the organization and how to get involved go to www.womenforwomen.org.
Run for Congo Women: A long time supporter of Women for Women, Lisa Shannon, the founder, talks to Oprah about her own personal mission to sponsor 1,000 Congolese women. For more information about the conflict in the Congo, please check out Shannon’s website at www.runforcongowomen.org.
The conflict in Congo began with the conclusion of the Rwandan genocide. More than 5.4 million people have died since 1998 in this conflict, half of which are children under five. Women in the Congo carry the heaviest of burdens. They have been gang raped, tortured, forced to flee their homes, and have watched their husbands and children murdered in front of them. They are internally displaced persons with no means of supporting themselves or their living children. Run for Congo Women has raised a lot of money to help these displaced women and children have a future. To find out how to host your own fundraiser or donate to the cause go to the website.
Photo courtesy of Oprah.com
