YOU GO GIRL! WOMEN HELPING WOMEN PURSE DRIVE WITH WFWP CT
What could be more uplifting than receiving some encouragement and support from a fellow woman? Sometimes it seems that life can be quite challenging, especially for women. We need to be there for each other.
On Saturday, February 24, the ladies of WFWP Connecticut gathered to enjoy some delicious snacks and converse on how we can help other women globally and locally. WFWP USA Administrator Kiyomi Schmidt presented on the upcoming events with the Commission on the Status of Women, especially those organized by WFWP International, including the Horizon Summit. Attendees were inspired to hear how women all around the world are standing up to make a difference in the lives of other women and girls and how we also can get involved.
While there is a lot going on in the national and international levels, there is also much we can do on the local level to extend a hand of kindness. We decided to do a Purse Drive, a project initiated by WFWP Arizona, to help homeless women in our area and in preparation for International Women’s Day in March. Everyone brought gently used handbags which were then filled with essential items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, soap, and razors. Everyone also wrote a little note of encouragement and love to these women we may never know but who have fallen on hard times and might need a positive boost.
The next day, we met with Tanisha Akinloye, CEO of Empowering Through Beauty Foundation, to donate the bags to her foundation. She gives makeovers and training to homeless women to evoke humanity, not vanity. The women she helps feel so transformed in both body and spirit after receiving the makeovers and with that one leg up, many have been able to turn their lives around. Women will be given one of our filled purses after receiving hair and makeup!
You can check out Tanisha Akinloye’s Tedx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtm5AGjJvWU&t=683s
A purse may be a simple thing, but filled with love, encouragement, and a few practical items, it can make quite a difference.
