Today, we commemorate the 101st anniversary of International Women’s Day. Over the past century, women have joined together to...
Today, we commemorate the 101st anniversary of International Women’s Day. Over the past century, women have joined together to celebrate the strides women have made toward equality, and to recommit to working for greater advancement of women’s rights around the world. This year’s International Women’s Day is particularly poignant at the Bush Institute as it marks the final day in the United States of the inaugural Women’s Initiative Fellowship class.
The fourteen remarkable Fellows from Egypt are ending their journey in America and returning to their beloved country to impart the knowledge they have obtained and cascade the skills they have learned through the Fellowship with the hopes of contributing to a freer and greater Egypt. These courageous women can add their names to the list of pioneers who have helped expand the rights and opportunities for all, especially women. Each Fellow possesses a distinct vision for how she will impact her community and country. Most of them do not want to lead through politics, but desire to leave an indelible mark on their society by their unique contribution. Whether it be through photographing women to show their plight, by empowering women through job skills training, by encouraging young people through a youth development program, or by stimulating entrepreneurism, the Fellows will use their personal expertise to improve Egypt and provide leadership during this critical moment in their history. The Fellows do not bear the weight of this objective alone. They return to Egypt with a strong network – a sisterhood, really. The Fellows will rely on each other over the next year, and beyond, for support, stability, and encouragement. We anticipate that when we celebrate next year’s International Women’s Day, the Fellows will not only have accomplished their individual goals, but, as they work together, the group will lead Egypt to a better tomorrow. This post was written by Charity Wallace, Director of the Women’s Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. << Return to the Women’s Initiative Fellowship Program
