When you google “Michelle Obama Style” you will find over 209,000,000 results; however, if you Google “Michelle Obama Education” you’ll get only 183,000,000. This says a lot about our culture and the way female leaders are typically viewed.
Generally, as a first lady, you are often seen, but not necessarily heard. More so than not, a first lady is viewed as a decoration to the most powerful man of the country, rather than a political forces. However, around the world, numerous first ladies are influencing the fate of their countries and the world.
Michelle Obama – First Lady of the United States
Bringing it back to Ms. Obama, she’s done a tremendous amount of campaigning for several issues throughout her husband’s presidency. They’ve ranged from nutrition in the Let’s Move Campaign to supporting the Joining Forces Initiative to end veterans’ homelessness.
Her most recent project, as covered by my colleague earlier this summer, the Let Girls Learn Initiative seeks to remove barriers preventing adolescent girls from completing their education through community-based solutions. While her husband may sit in the Oval Office, First Lady Michelle Obama has secured her own seat of power as a role model for women and advocate for poverty awareness.
Jeannette Kagame -- First Lady of Rwanda
After her husband Paul Kagame took office in 2000, Jeannette made it a priority to uplift vulnerable populations in Rwanda, particularly women and girls.
She founded the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) in 2002 to push for HIV/AIDS prevention and the reduction of maternal and child mortality. OAFLA truly is an innovative organization for change by enlisting other First Ladies of Africa to be advocates for effective policies and strategies across the continent.
As an advocate for change, Mrs. Kagame serves on the boards of several international organizations, including Friends of the Global Fund Africa, the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise and the Global Coalition of Women against HIV and AIDS. Her untiring efforts and achievements should not go unnoticed.
Peng Liyuan -- First Lady of China
Before becoming the “Chinese First Lady,” Peng Liyuan was a famous folk singer and performing artist. As China’s most high-profile political spouse in decades, Liyuan is making moves to play a crucial role in China’s diplomacy.
She’s used her popularity to gain prominence on the global stage to make commitments to improve education and health around the world. She is an active advocate for campaigns against tuberculosis as a World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
July 3, 2014
Changdeokgung, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Korean Culture and Information Service
Korea.net (www.korea.net)
Official Photographer: Jeon Han
Her most valued recognition is to fight inequalities in education for women and girls, particularly in rural China. She’s very bold - asking for the government to not only pay for rural children to attend school but to provide medical assistance to families in need.
Her philosophy is “a child’s first teacher is its mother,” therefore, the country must make sure that mothers are educated to lift more people out of poverty. Sounds like a pretty powerful one to me!
Queen Rania of Jordan
Although people tend to focus on her beauty, one look at her resume would indicate she is one of the most powerful and outspoken women from the Arab world.
She’s become an international celebrity, using her exposure to draw attention to issues she is most passionate about. Like the women previously mentioned, she is a crusader for advancing educational opportunities for women.
Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (seated) reads from her children's book on cross-cultural understanding, "The Sandwich Swap", to a group of young students from the United Nations International School (UNIS), at UN Headquarters, New York.
As the honorary chair of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative, she has led efforts in Jordan to improve classroom quality, teaching standards, and computer access.
Queen Rania is also the founder the Jordan River Foundation, which engages in several campaigns that range from providing employment opportunities for women and protecting the human rights of children. Their most recent and impactful endeavor “The Jordan River Child Safety Program” addresses child abuse, an issue not discussed in Jordan.
As a crusader to eradicate poverty and supporter of women’s and children’s rights, it’s clear why Queen Rania is a role model, not only for women in the Arab world, but people everywhere.
Queen Silvia of Sweden
Another example of a Queen with a taste for philanthropy is Queen Silvia Sommerlath of Sweden. She’s worked on a number of women’s empowerment initiatives, but her passion lies with ending the abuse and sexual exploitation of children.
After being exposed to and moved by the issue, she co-founded the World Childhood Foundation in 1999 to be a voice for at-risk children around the world. The organization currently supports over 115 programs in 17 countries, concentrating on supporting girls and young mothers.
Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden arrives at the Vienna International Centre. Queen Silvia was the Guest of Honour of the High-level Segment of the 57th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Vienna, Austria, 13 March 2014.
Last year, Queen Silvia and her daughter Princess Madeline made an appearance at the Global Citizen Festival on behalf of World Childhood Foundation to increase awareness around the issues of child abuse.
Her passion and resilience on this issue is incredibly inspiring and should be discussed.
Often overshadowed by their husband’s legacies, it’s important to note the influential work these women have done. Let’s start to focus on their contributions to society, rather than their fashion. You’ll find many are tirelessly advocating for those who are disadvantaged and impoverished, particularly women and girls. As women and children in developing countries are the most vulnerable to chronic poverty and disease, it’s vital they have leaders and global citizens stand up for them.
Go to TAKE ACTION NOW to call on your Senators to ask them to stand up for moms and babies globally.