Throughout my day, because of the work I do in social media, I read a lot. I follow multiple news affiliates, journals, list serves, newsletters, and other readily available news sources. I read about revolutions, wars, poverty, starvation, natural disasters and other devastating things.  Finding happiness in the news can sometimes be a tall feat. Drama and devastation sell newspapers and intrigue audiences.

Who killed who, what disaster occurred where, who is to blame for the recent outbreak in violence in this place? These things are daily affronts on the senses while scanning for pertinent news for our key demographics.

Alternately today in the CCMC Push Journal [i], I came across this headline ‘The sky is the limit in my aspiration for women empowerment’. “In a sea of despair and malcontent, there was a light,” said  Gambia Vice President and Minister of Women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy in a recent interview.  She highlighted that women are a large part of the population and that they need to be focused on for the economic development of the country. President Jammeh of The Gambia has been focusing his polices on women and girls and is trying to undo years of discrimination and unequal treatment. The Gender and Women Empowerment (GWEP) as well as the Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE) are two programs that are a focus for the next five years to try and achieve gender equity in Gambia. Having leaders stand behind the fight for women’s equality and empowerment is key to improvement especially in struggling developing countries.

Amidst the negatively charged articles in my inbox this morning, it was nice to see something that holds a lot of hope for the world. Women’s empowerment continues to be a topic that finds me (perhaps because I’m looking for it). It’s amazing to see that women’s issues and empowerment are a worldwide topic, from the US to places like the recent topic of this in-the-works documentary, Indonesia. The Peace Agency is a documentary featuring Lian Gogali, a single mother living in poverty, unable to walk after a car accident and at the forefront of women’s empowerment and change in Indonesia. While overcoming adversity, Lian is trying to change the world around her. Director Sue Useem seems to capture the true weight of the importance of women’s empowerment in Indonesia. Finding courage when battling harsh regimes, destruction, poverty, and discrimination is truly inspirational.

I’m always inspired and amazed by the journey of women in developing nations who stand up and fight for their rights.  These strong women are the face of the future for  empowerment and change. I am happy to see news popping up all over different news sources about gender equality and empowerment and hope they continue, because the future of the developing and the developed world depending on the advancement of both sexes.

Stay informed on women’s empowerment with my monthly blog series Women of the World. If you have a topic or idea that we haven’t covered on this series, please let us know blog@k4health.org.