It’s Women’s History Month and at Athletes for Hope (AFH), we couldn’t be more excited. We know the many challenges women are facing, but now more than ever, we are hopeful that equality is coming. We’ve seen the legwork of amazing female pioneers in law, science, sports, government, and the arts make way for a new generation of women who are finding their voice and newly added seats at the table.
In January of 2019, we witnessed more than one hundred women sworn into Congress, making this the greatest number of females to represent our country in its 238-year existence. In the same week, we also witnessed the passing of an icon in Bernice Sandler, co-author and Godmother of Title IX, a woman whose advocacy and policy work paved the way for an entire generation of women to pursue those seats in Congress.
In the sports world, we’ve seen historic victories in recent years, like that of the US Women’s National Hockey Team whose fight for pay equality ended triumphantly and was capped with a gold medal in the 2018 Olympics. We watched Serena Williams return to the court at Roland Garros and win her first grand-slam after having a baby. We witnessed Toni Harris sign a national letter of intent as the first female skill-position player to earn an NCAA football scholarship. We beheld a perfect performance from Katelyn Ohashi whose floor routine mesmerized Twitter users around the world. And we wait in anticipation for what’s set to be some of the very best women’s football ever to be played at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
At AFH, we are responding to the requests of our amazing athletes and ramping up opportunities for women and men to get involved in the fight for gender equality. This month, we’ll roll out new activations designed to expand our base and reignite our veterans. Through speaking engagements, global mentorship, virtual school visits, sports equipment drives, and a new gender equality motivation pack, we aim to strengthen our team and prepare for the next wave of opportunities. Consider yourself recruited.
By following us on social (Twitter: @ath4hope | Instagram: @athletesforhope), you’ll find inspiration and new ways to use your skills to make a difference. Using #SistersInSport, join us in spreading hope and promoting equality by sharing photos, videos, and tribute posts to the women in your life who have wowed you with their athletic feats or supported you to reach yours. We’ll see you in the social sphere!