day 33 - full circle

Thank you to so many of you who wore black today to support this project for women’s education – I really appreciate your encouragement and support!! And a special thank you for those of you in today’s picture – an awesome way to celebrate!

I love it when things come full circle.

Now is one of those powerful moments when you’ve come back to the starting point; but you realize you have changed, have learned so much more along the way.

I started wearing a black dress with the hopes of raising awareness for women’s education. One month later, look at how far we’ve come: We’ve raised over $600 for education in rural Africa, improved people’s knowledge and understanding of the issue, and changed the lives of girls through education.

Plain black dress on Day 1; plain black dress today. And the days in between, we’ve discussed real and current problems that women in developing nations face. But more than that, we’ve seen the positive impact an education can have on women’s lives.

An educated woman can start her own small business or income by raising animals or selling crafts and goods. As a community leader, she may become involved in local government; as a representative, she can speak out against gender inequality and injustice (such as honor killings and FGM), thereby improving the future of girls in her village. And with her income, she can raise her family out of poverty, afford adequate health care for her children, and can send them to school. The cycle of improvement starts again.

I love it when things come full circle.

Janna

Tomorrow I’d like to conclude this project – for now, at least – with a closing message and thanks for all who helped make this it possible. Hope to see you tomorrow!