An inspiring experience at the MORE Impact Awards luncheon with Michelle Obama as guest speaker

On Monday June 29^th, I had the privilege of attending the More Impact Awards luncheon as a member of press representing CBS News. This is the type of event I have wanted to attend for a long time. An event dedicated to celebrating incredible women and even more importantly, an event inspiring ordinary and extraordinary women to join forces and empower women both on a national and global scale.

The More Impact Awards stood out to me because of the type of women it celebrated. The four award winners, each outstanding in their individual capacity serve as agents of change and empowerment but also as figures of inspiration to young leaders such as myself who is determined to make an impact in my community and my country, South Africa.

One of the four award winners was African born Vivian Adhiambo Onano. At the age of 24 she has established herself as a women’s and girl’s advocate and youth leader. Her passion for educating young girls and achieving gender equality in Africa inspires me as an African-Indian woman leader also passionate about education for all - especially those that are not afforded the opportunity to education.

Through the South Africa Washington- International Program (SAWIP), I have been given the opportunity to gain global work exposure in Washington DC during the summer. SAWIP develops young African leaders and equips us with the tools necessary to network and gain access to global perspectives. Thus, it is through SAWIP that I am afforded my work exposure at CBS News and through CBS news that I am able to meet inspiring women leaders who are making an impact globally.

Michelle Obama’s remarks at the Newseum for the More Impact awards motivated me to think more critically about the impact I want to have on the world. Her latest project; “Let Girls Learn”, is directed towards educating adolescent girls. The project will first address the issues in Cambodia around education for women and girls then move to other countries in Africa.

As a South African woman I am exposed to the daily hardships that women and children in my country face. One of the most pressing issues is that of education. I am privileged enough to be able to gain tertiary level education – something that my grandmothers and my mother struggled with.

When my grandmother was in high school her mother insisted on taking her out of school despite attempts from the school principle to encourage my grandmothers continued education. I remember my grandmother telling me this story with so much passion as she encouraged me to always study hard at whatever it is I choose and to make sure I become successful and give back.

Thinking back to my conversations with my grandmother and linking it to Michelle Obama’s remarks I am renewed with inspiration to raise awareness and motivate young women to pursue an education and in doing so enrich their lives and the lives of their communities.