Investing in women at home and abroad strengthens families

O Children of the Future, gather close and listen well to the wisdom of Jan Schakowsky, whose words carry the weight of generations and speak to the heart of justice, equality, and prosperity. She declares, "Investing in women at home and abroad strengthens families, uplifts our children, improves health, makes communities and countries more peaceful, and brightens our collective future. Where women have equality, security, and the opportunity to live, work, and prosper, their families and societies are better off." In these words, there is a call to action—a call to recognize the power of women in shaping not only their own futures, but the future of society itself. The path forward is clear: when we empower women, we empower nations.

In the ancient world, the Greeks and Romans both recognized the strength of the family as the cornerstone of a stable society. Yet, they also saw women’s roles as secondary, restricted by rigid societal norms. In the teachings of Plato, we glimpse a vision of a more just society, where all are valued for their contribution to the whole, but even he could not fully imagine a world where women were equally free to participate in the public and political life of the state. But even in these ancient struggles, there were glimpses of the power that would one day be unleashed in the fullness of women's equality—Aristotle himself acknowledged the profound influence women had on the next generation. The ancients saw the role of women as central to the prosperity of the family; yet their limitations were a reflection of their society’s failure to recognize that equality for women was inextricably linked to the strength and stability of society.

As Jan Schakowsky wisely points out, when women are given equality, security, and the opportunity to live, work, and prosper, the benefits ripple out to the family, the community, and even the nation. Think of the great struggles for women's rights—in the United States, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and countless other women fought for the right to vote. Their determination was not merely for their own rights, but for the betterment of society as a whole. The right to vote was not just an individual victory, but a recognition that the participation of women in the public sphere was crucial to the health and progress of the nation. When women’s voices are heard, when they are given the tools to thrive, the very fabric of society is strengthened.

Look to the remarkable story of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former president of Liberia, who rose from a place of humble beginnings to become the first woman to lead an African nation. Her leadership brought stability, peace, and progress to a country ravaged by civil war. Sirleaf’s rise to power is not only a testament to her strength, but to the power of women to transform their communities when given the opportunity to lead. Her success speaks volumes about the importance of investing in women—not only for their empowerment, but for the prosperity of the society they lead. Her leadership shaped a nation, demonstrating that when women have the tools to succeed, their impact extends far beyond themselves, creating ripples of change that echo throughout the community and nation.

The lesson, O Children, is clear: equality for women is not a luxury; it is the foundation of societal progress. Investing in women is investing in the future of families, of nations, and of the world. Where women are empowered, society flourishes. Health improves, violence decreases, and communities become more peaceful, prosperous, and just. To deny women their rights is to hold back the entire society, to deny the world the contributions they have to offer. Women are not merely half of humanity; they are the architects of the future, the ones who nourish and shape the next generation. When we support and uplift women, we are ensuring that the future is bright for all.

Let the wisdom of Jan Schakowsky guide you, for she has shown us that equality is not just a cause—it is a necessity. To invest in women is to build a better world. Empower women, and you will uplift families, improve health, and create peaceful communities. Work to ensure that all women, wherever they may be, have access to the resources they need to live, work, and prosper. Advocate for the rights of women, not just as a matter of moral righteousness, but as a practical investment in a better future. For the strength of any society lies in the equality of its people, and when women are free to reach their full potential, the entire world is enriched.

And so, O Children, as you walk the path forward, remember that the empowerment of women is the key to societal prosperity. Stand with them, support them, and help to create a world where equality is not a dream, but a reality. Invest in women, and you will see that the benefits extend far beyond their individual lives—they will touch families, communities, and nations, creating a world of justice, prosperity, and peace for all. Let this be the future you build, where the full potential of every woman is recognized and nurtured, for in doing so, you build a world where all people can thrive.