I write this on the eve of National Women’s Day. This year also marks the first #daywithoutawoman protest. Women are striking across the USA to show people what an impact women are in the workforce. Those who can’t strike wore red to show their solidarity. And I certainly rocked red today since I couldn’t strike. In fact, at the library I work at the entire staff is comprised of women. If we were to strike the library wouldn’t function!
I chose to highlight my portrait of Malala Yousafzai for a few reasons. She’s rocking red. What’s more, her story is one of a position of powerlessness she parlayed into activism for girls education. She didn’t have resources at her disposal. Armed with only tenacity, she is now a figure in women’s history. Historical figures are sometimes divorced from what we consider to be “average” people. Malala is an example that real people can make a difference.
Ugly Stepsister: Artwork by Kirsten Ashley 