Yesterday marked Day 1 of ActionAid’s Strong Women Challenge, a 21 day strength-building fitness challenge to celebrate and raise funds for strong women around the world who contribute to lifting their own communities out of poverty. All proceeds go to ActionAid’s various programs that help to empower and support women to fight for gender equality and leading change to end poverty. The programs focus on three key areas: economic justice, climate justice and women’s leadership in emergencies.
“When strong women are supported to lead, they are able to secure greater access and control over resources, help their communities adapt to climate change and campaign against projects that worsen its impacts, and take charge in protecting women’s rights when humanitarian crises and conflicts hit their communities.” – ActionAid
ActionAid works together with communities, rather than for communities, providing them with the educational tools, leadership skills and resources to create sustainable and long-term change that empowers individuals.
I was inspired to do this challenge because I see it as a fantastic opportunity to campaign for something I am very passionate about: women’s rights and empowerment. No country in the world has reached full gender equality, but some of us have it better than others. I am lucky enough to lead a very privileged life, which is why I’m so passionate about helping those who haven’t been as fortunate in the birthright lottery.
I have long been an advocate for gender equality, but it’s time to put my money (and my body) where my mouth is. Money has the power to have a greater and faster impact and I want to contribute to fighting gender equality in this more tangible sense. Sometimes it helps to have tangible goals so that it feels like you’ve actually contributed to the cause somehow, done something.
Raising awareness and advocacy is just as important as raising funds, and the pair often go hand-in-hand. In recognition of this, I will try to post as many blogs as possible about gender inequality issues facing women today, in an effort to both further educate myself and others on these issues. Initially I said 21 posts for 21 days, but one day in and I am realising that to do these important (and often highly complex!) issues justice requires a bit more than a days worth of research and writing (and I also have other things I need to do in my life!). But watch this space as I’ll be posting a lot in the coming weeks, including child marriage, domestic violence, media representation and FGM – and hopefully lots more!
I hope that this challenge has the dual effect of contributing to the financial and educational empowerment of disadvantaged women, and also, challenging myself to become physically and mentally stronger so I am prepared to fight for equality even harder.
In terms of the personal aspect of this challenge, I see it as a great way to motivate me to get into a regular fitness routine and program, instead of just watching pilates videos on YouTube 
I’m not a very disciplined person, so I’m looking forward to the structure this provides, hopefully getting me into the habit of daily goal-setting. Nor am I a highly individually-motivated person, but as soon as others are involved, I am very inspired to act. And I don’t think much else could motivate me more than helping fight for equal rights and social/economic/environmental justice! I am excited at the prospect of becoming physically and mentally stronger and healthier, and hope that I can direct this energy into positive action.
Sometimes the problems of the world seem too big to fix, but change is possible when we work together to improve things bit by bit. Every word of support, every action to raise awareness, and every dollar counts. You can donate to me here – please help me on my journey!
And wish me luck for all of those push ups….
-MANEE xx
THE ARMARIUM 