Press for Progress

March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD). It’s a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call-to-action for accelerating gender parity. The IWD theme for 2018 is #PressforProgress.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we would like to recognize our students. Those brave young women press for progress every day as they pursue an education despite the enormous social, economic, and cultural barriers they face. Poverty, disease, violence, and oppression surround them, yet they press on. They strive to realize the personal autonomy and self-determination that is the right of every human being. They work every day to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lift themselves, their families, their communities, and their nation out of debilitating uncertainty and instability.

 

 

 

 

We spoke with two women from the U.S. who donate to the Africa ELI students and asked them why they give. Here is what they had to say.

LuAnn Prevost, Hospital Chaplain
Knoxville, Tennessee

“Empowering one another is one of the most important responsibilities that women have. Some Africa ELI students are taking a huge risk to receive an education. That’s admirable. When you fight harder for something, the outcome can be more than you ever imagined.”

 

 

 

Julie Rusciolelli Campbell, School Social Worker
St. Louis, Missouri

“Being a school social worker, I am very interested in Africa ELI’s goal of education. I have continued supporting Africa ELI because of the success of the students who have graduated and are now professionals. Enriching lives is what matters.”

 

 

 

 

Africa ELI joins with governments, NGOs, charities, corporations, academic institutions, and women’s networks across the world in celebration of women and their accomplishments. Our own hashtag, #BraveBeyondBarriers, acknowledges the strength of girls and women who are pressing for gender parity and challenging stereotypes and injustice.

Will you be participating in a special activity for International Women’s Day? If so, post a picture on social media and tag us by using #africaeli, #bravebeyondbarriers, and #pressforprogress.

 

Our Mission

By providing access to education, Africa ELI prepares young women in South Sudan to become leaders in their families and communities, engage in business enterprise, counteract inequalities, improve health practices, and work toward improving society for the benefit of all citizens.

Help Get the Message Out

A strong social media presence is vital to grow support for our girls in South Sudan. Please help us build support by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and sharing our posts.