When I was in my early 20’s I made a friend that would forever change the way I thought of myself and other women. Liz was not as popular as some of our other mutual friends, because she always put what was right above all else.
Which, in my mind, is part of what makes her such an amazing person. She has always been honest, sincere and a never-ending champion for women and other marginalised groups.
Liz was the first serious activist I got close to, she was smart and dedicated, often putting the needs of others before herself. At the time, I didn’t understand feminism at all, not really.
Liz spoke enthusiastically about the need for feminism in the modern world and what that looked like.
I had taken courses on sex and gender roles in school, but Liz didn’t want to talk about Suffragettes and history – she wanted to talk about what women and girls needed to be safe and supported here and now.
Liz marched in the streets, volunteered at shelters, and endlessly shared information in such an understandable way that I couldn’t help but be charmed by her.
I found myself wanting to be more and more like Liz in that way – empathetic, supportive and strong.
I read the articles and books she shared with me, and began my own journey to discovering what feminism and mutual support meant for me.
Today Liz is one of my best friends and I’m able to share knowledge, passion and emotional support with her equally. But I’m not sure I would have started my journey in supporting women the way I do today if I hadn’t met her, because #SheInspiredMe.
-Linsey McFadden, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Take part in the #SheInspiredME campaign
Every one of us will have a woman whose achievements, behaviours or persistence have inspired us. Why not support our work with girls and young women by sharing who has inspired you to celebrate International Women’s Day? They could be a family member, a celebrity, a teacher, or anyone in between.
All you have to do is:
- Make your donation at girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk/tbg
- Then, share the donation link, along with who you picked and why
- Finally, nominate five others to do the same! Don’t forget to tag GFS in your post too.
Plus, from 8-15 March, The Big Give will double your donation, so your support will go twice as far. Funds raised during this campaign will be used to hold Regional fund day meet ups that connect GFS girls with girls from other groups in their region for a day of friendship, activities and laughter. After nearly two years of isolation during COVID, these fun days are a huge deal to the girls and your support in making them happen would be amazing.
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