The Power of Women

For International Women’s Day, I want to talk about the women in my life who have supported, inspired and encouraged me in ways I can’t even begin to describe. As I take the time to reflect, I remember the days I was at my lowest, after I had been beaten, raped and hospitalized, I found myself in the midst of a divorce. I had my ex-husband’s debt to pay as he had left the country in search of better opportunities.

I had no husband.

I had no money.

I had no hope.

It was easily the worst time in my life and I really struggled to be able to do simple things. Through it all, I had a very low sense of self-worth and my existence seemed so inconsequential.

I honestly do not know what I would have done if it hadn’t been for the women in my life that came to the forefront at that time. I am honestly so lucky to have met and call them my friends. From a dear friend who was constantly inviting me out to every family event, dinners at her house, spending time with her children and getting me out of the house at every possible opportunity, she was such a force – the ultimate multitasker who spent countless hours on the phone or in my miserable company. Her unwavering support and constant encouragement fed my willingness to keep going. To get up and make something of the awfulness of this situation.

I had another friend, who was always inviting me out to dinners, girl’s nights and dancing. She was bubbly, positive and had an absolutely infectious personality. Together, we would spend all-nighters dancing away, giggling and creating funny memories and in-jokes that we would laugh at for weeks afterward. I was always so grateful to spend a night in her company instead of fighting the grief until the cold morning light spread onto my bedroom walls.

In addition to the women who helped me personally, there were women who helped me professionally. In the early days of creating BRAVE, it had been bogged down in bureaucratic red tape and one day, I found myself in the office of a woman lamenting my situation. This woman fast became one of my biggest supporters, helping me to navigate my way around corrections and helping to bring BRAVE into correctional centers. She was knowledgeable, kind and had a knack for making things work in the face of adversity. Similar to me, she would often take the word ‘no’ as an opportunity to find a work around. Her commitment to bring BRAVE to trial is something I’ve never taken for granted and will always appreciate.

These women and so many more – co-workers that have supported me while I brought BRAVE to prisons, friends that have joined the cause, all those that send words of support and encouragement while I share my journey, this is a dedication to you. From one woman to another – thank you for your support – you have had a huge impact on me and together, we are making differences in the world that will hopefully, positively impact many more women in the future.