Introducing the 2015 ELLE Magazine 43 Powerful Female Mentors on “THE AGENDA.”
As 2015 takes hold, ELLE Magazine celebrates its thirtieth anniversary by dedication this milestone to focus the world’s attention on the social, political and economic needs of women and girls with The Agenda. For years, ELLE Magazine has gone far beyond the subject of Fashion, although that remains the epicenter of its being. Elle’s Editor-In-Chief Robbie Myers continues to use the magazine as force for change, amidst the plethora of women’s social, economic and political challenges.
The Agenda, as it is skillfully titled, will tackle different issues deterring or deferring progressive change within women rights for the next 30 years. The most interesting aspect of this whole movement are the amazing women that make up the faces of this movement. Each of the talented women who are shaping “The Agenda” will dedicate their part in helping bring awareness to an issue they personally find in dire need of change. From Kerry Washington to Melinda Gates, 43 female powerhouses will channel through a spectrum of issues in helping to advance women’s social and economic status within society.
Women hold the potential to propel the world forward economically, socially, and politically, the only aspect stymieing their personal progress is the social constraints inflicted upon them. Underrepresentation, poverty, and unequal education, are just some of the factors holding back women and young girls from achieving success. If women are half the world, it is dismaying to see how obscurely they are represented within their own state and country. As Robbie Myers points out, “women still have too few seats at the table where our collective fates are determined.” Political equality is a main concern for many of these women, who are focusing their Agenda on equal representation in government, stronger political involvement by women, and a more accepting environment where women are not discouraged from voting or participating within politics.
Kerry Washington, ubiquitously known as the incredible Olivia Pope on Scandal, stays true to her characters political ties and focuses her Agenda on establishing a strong emphasis on how people need to take greater action through participation. “Today there are people trying to take away rights that our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers fought for: our right to vote, our right to choose, affordable quality education, equal pay, access to health care. We the people can’t let that happen.”
Vice President of public policy at Google, Susan Molinari, focuses her Agenda on how young girls need more STEM programs accessible to them from a young age. Everything from political to financial to social empowerment makes up the Agenda’s of these women activists.
When we asked the Founder and Executive Director of GC4W, Ambassador Lilian O. Ajayi about “Her Agenda” – her response was.. “since its inception, the Global Connections for Women Foundation (GC4W) has remained rooted in the ideals of community, equality and opportunity. Our global mission to connect, educate and empower women, youth and underserved communities around the world – is born out of a genuine dedication to improve lives and give hope to those who need it the most. One of the ways we are upholding this mission is through the Karamajiji New School Development Project.”
“Everyone has an Agenda. What is Yours?” Visit ELLE’s The Agenda {elle.com/theagenda} to learn more about some of todays leading ladies. You can also share your Agenda by emailing theagenda@hearst.com or hashtag #ELLEAgenda on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
