Deidra Mwalimu has been dedicated to the field of international development and nonprofit administration for more than 15 years. Currently, Mwalimu is the director of outreach for Paint the Globe Foundation. She received a B.S. combining capacity building, women’s studies and geography from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2003.
In addition to working with nonprofit organizations in an administrative capacity, Mwalimu holds an MBA and a master's degree in nonprofit administration. She has worked with nongovernmental organizations in Africa, Brazil and the U.S. She continues to advocate for international nongovernmental organizations that support the advancement of young girls and women-centered issues.
Network of Women has launched a supply drive campaign for 2022 called "End Period Poverty." The 11-day campaign, which ends Tuesday, Oct. 11, is in honor of the U.N. International Day of the Girl Child (Oct. 11). The organization will be collecting feminine hygiene products for local college students in Louisiana at various drop-off locations at LSU. If you would like to volunteer or learn more about the organization, visit networkofwomennow.org.
Tell us about Network of Women. What’s its purpose?
Network of Women was incorporated in 2020 to assist young girls and women by donating feminine hygiene products and more. Through individual contributions, donation drives, fundraising events and partnerships, we gather much needed supplies. Then, we deliver them to schools, community centers and similar organizations. Our inaugural project was launched in Tanzania in 2021. Our organization prides itself on transparency of our projects and documentation of all donation drives.
NOW is beginning to complete projects in the southern part of the United States. In July, we wanted our first project to be in McComb, Mississippi, because that is my hometown. We collaborated with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Mississippi which is a haven during the summer months for both boys and girls. Their summer programs offered classes on feminine hygiene and wellness for young girls ages 9-15. On International Women’s Day (March 8), Network of Women conducted a supply drive to donate thirty Ubibi Bags, filled with disposable pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste and cotton swab, to young girls and women in McComb.
When did it start and what is the mission?
The mission of Network of Women a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports women and girls with basic human needs in vulnerable populations around the world. Our vision is to be a global hub where donors, organizations and individuals foster partnerships to support female-centered projects.
How is the organization working toward solutions in Baton Rouge, specifically?
Network of Women has three operating initiatives: combating period poverty, sustainability and networking. All our projects consistently are operating under at least two of these initiatives.
Our main provisions for combating period poverty are sustainable feminine hygiene products, which are the focus of our trademarked Ubibi Bags.
Our second provision is providing opportunities where women and girls are taught to sew on well-equipped machines, and they eventually create their own products and hold a viable presence in the domestic and global business industry. Currently, we are supporting sewing initiatives in Tanzania and Nepal.
What do you believe is the toughest challenge facing the young women of Louisiana?
I think the toughest challenge facing young women in Louisiana is self-awareness and access to feminine hygiene products. Many young women are not aware that there is a feminine hygiene shortage in the USA now. Although, there are signs of this shortage when they are in stores purchasing products each month. Another challenge is education regarding how important a healthy reproductive system is to our well-being.
Many people believe that period poverty and menstrual equity effects women and girls living in another part of the world. In 2021, an average of 10% of college students experienced period poverty in the USA.
Was there a particular incident that led you to a career of service?
I have always had the “pay it forward” mindset. I grew up on my grandfather’s farm in Mississippi. His garden was about five acres. It was there that I understood that hardworking people do not always have access to basic human needs, like food. My grandfather never turned anyone away and gave food freely to families in need. We were always underfoot as he went into his garden to pick fruit and vegetables to give to the families.
When I was an undergraduate student, I participated in three summer study abroad programs. Each program offered an insight for opportunities to be a good global citizen and to be of service to others. In addition, my undergraduate studies include women’s studies and geography. Network of Women is an extension of who I am.
Who is/was your mentor?
I have been very fortunate to have always has strong female role models throughout my life. My mother raised eight children in Mississippi, single-handed.
Louisiana Inspired is a weekly Sunday section that focuses on people and organizations in Louisiana who are working toward solving problems and making the world a better place. The section is published in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Acadiana. If you know of someone or an organization that is doing exceptional work to make Louisiana better, please let us know by emailing us at jan.risher@theadvocate.com.
"network" - Google News
October 03, 2022 at 05:15PM
https://ift.tt/cyAU34Z
Network of Women is working to end period poverty in Baton Rouge and around the globe - NOLA.com
"network" - Google News
https://ift.tt/toqFlej
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
No comments:
Post a Comment