Girl Power

Last summer, I worked with Cambodian orphans living with HIV/AIDS. So much of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Cambodia stems from sex trafficking. In Southeast Asia and globally, women and girls are sold as commodities into lives of oppression and abuse. My experience on the other side of the world had been amazing, but not as valuable as I had hoped. If I wanted to create positive change in the world, I would probably be more effective at home. At home, I could make a stand against oppression by hosting International Day of the Girl Oct. 11 at the library. It’s a day full of programs and activities with the aim of empowering young women.

Since 2012, the United Nations has marked October 11 International Day of the Girl to promote girls' human rights. My experiences in Cambodia, and even here at home in the U.S., have proven the need for the day – it recognizes that gender inequality is still prevalent, addresses discrimination and urges girls to rise above.

Cambodian children infected with HIV are often abandoned when the infected parent dies. I wanted to help combat a social malady I saw as stemming from the oppression of women. I expected to find Cambodian women who were oppressed and sad. What I saw instead were strong, proud Cambodian women. From the women who worked at the orphanage where I stayed to the girls who raised their hands eagerly to answer questions in class, I was faced with boisterous, happy, bold women. How could this be if these women were so oppressed? I don't mean to suggest that these women are in any way responsible for their struggles - they are not. Cambodians have suffered tragically over decades. Despite these hardships, they stayed strong. I’m deeply inspired by their strength.

I was raised by a strong single mother and in a family of confident women. I surround myself with friends and colleagues who are also strong and confident women. In the U.S., women have the right to do and say whatever we choose and live to our fullest capabilities. But sometimes we pull our punches. We apologize for being clumsy or having an opinion or an appetite; we declare the possibility that we might be wrong when we know that we are right; we keep quiet for fear of being labeled a know-it-all. Even while writing this blog, I've edited my own words to sound less strident so no one will label me a feminist (even though I've called myself that since I knew what one was).

I don't know why women, who are clearly capable of so much, choose not to be bold. Talking with my friends and family, I found that this issue is on the minds of many women, we wonder about some of our own choices, and wish more for the young women who follow us.

That’s why an event like International Day of the Girl is so important right here in the U.S., in Kansas, in Topeka. It will be a day of interesting speakers and fun activities aimed at empowering young women and presenting ways you can get involved and invest in the young women in your life and in our community.

Save the date! International Day of the Girl is Sat. Oct. 11. Your library has a full day of girl-centered empowerment. View the program for International Day of the Girl.

We will have two screenings of the powerful documentary, Girl Rising, during International Day of the Girl at the library. Here are two more documentaries that share how a simple opportunity can create profound change in the life of a child:

Half the Sky - based on the book Half the sky; turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide by Nicholas Kristof. Let this author take you on an unforgettable journey to meet people around the world who are doing extraordinary work to empower women and girls. Hear dramatic stories of transformation and hope that show how a little help can change lives and that the key to economic progress lies in unleashing women's potential.

Born Into Brothels - Zana Briski, New York-based photographer, shares her experiences teaching photography to the children of prostitutes while living in the red-light district of Calcutta documenting life in the brothels. Follow these young people as they are transformed by their own creativity.

We hope you'll join us in October.