I walked outside and the sun shined on my face. I thought to myself “what a beautiful day.” Adults, children, and pets were out roaming the streets of New York City. I walk down 5^th avenue smiling like the rest because of the warmer weather. I then enter Washington Square Park and see so many people there; people that I have been hibernating for months are finally out and enjoying this beautiful day. This beautiful day is today, March 9^th. Also known as the day after International Women’s Day. As I walk towards the west side of the park I see a group of people gathered with signs and flags. A protest against violence on women was about to happen, joined in that protest were several organizations representing all kinds of women. The best thing I noticed was the diversity in the crowd. Women were not the only ones holding signs and participating in the rally. There were men in the crowd. There were people of different backgrounds. It was amazing to see the diversity in the crowd, because it said that one woman is not alone, there are several people there to help. The rally started and I heard several inspiring speakers. I even heard powerful chants: “Whatever we wear where ever we go, Yes means yes and no means no!”, “Stand up, fight back!”, “Women and sisters are on the rise, People better recognize!” I felt the crowd, I felt the chants, and I felt the emotion put into every word. I felt like I was in the right place, I felt like I belonged. There are people out there who want to make a difference and I want to be there to help them out.

Heyley

#ForWomenByAWoman

In honor of International Women’s Day 2013 here are a few awesome events going on today and other dates in March!

Events: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/esearch.asp?country=223&town=New+york#.UToXnaV8gVs

Also join #ForWomenByAWoman at Washington Square Park to be a part of the protest to stop violence against women ! We will be there reporting and talking to the protesters. If you want to get your voice heard, come out ! (http://www.defendwomensrights.org/downloads/march-2013-flyers/flyer-nyc-march-9-2013.pdf)

Here are 3 incredible women that have made a difference:

1)Shirin Ebadi

She was the first woman in Iran to become a judge, she was the first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Piece Prize, and she was the founder of the Human Rights Defender Centre. To know more about her just visit her autobiography: http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2003/ebadi-autobio.html

2) Jasvinder Sanghera

She is en extraordinary woman who set Karma Nirvana to help out victims of forced marriages. She was almost a victim one, but she ran away at 15 to avoid being forced into marriage. After seeing her older sister commit suicide because of her abusive husband, Sanghera set up her charity. Check it out: http://www.karmanirvana.org.uk

3)Camila Batmanghelidjh

She is the founder of Kid’s Company that helps inner-city kids receive an education. She helps 91 percent of kids get back into school and she also reduces crime by 90 percent. She is truly making a difference. Check charity out: http://www.kidsco.org.uk

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

Heyley

Hey everyone, 

I just want to give everyone an update for what’s to happen the next few days and weeks.

Right now I am in the process of building a team because of course I cannot do this by myself. I plan on having a team meeting before the week is done.

What is to come from #ForWomenByAWomen? We plan on attending several events for women to take pictures and report on. We also plan on interviewing several successful women to hopefully empower many women out there, we even plan to speak and to interview women who come from different countries and the struggle they faced over there. We plan on informing you guys with news of what’s going on in the world with women. We also have plans for some fun and exciting events for everyone in the NYU, NYC, and Tri-State Area. There’s so much more, but I choose to keep those ideas a secret until later on. :)

Heyley 

“CHIME FOR CHANGE IS A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WORKING TO PROMOTE EDUCATION, HEALTH AND JUSTICE FOR EVERY GIRL, EVERY WOMAN, EVERYWHERE.”

Beyonce, Frida Giannini, and Salma Hayek team up with Gucci to make a change for women. Check out chimeforchange.org

Girl Rising

Here’s the video mentioned in the previous post. 

Also click the arrow to read the article of the woman from South Africa. 

When an act of violence occurs or when any illegal act occurs who do we call? 911.

What happens when the police barge through the door to respond to your call? They’re supposed to help you out, right? Well what happens when the cops turn on you and commit a crime at an already-existed crime scene?

A woman in South Africa recently went to the Wierdabrug police station to report domestic violence. While there she claims to have been raped by the police at the station.  (please click the link to read the full article)

The fact that this happened, makes you wonder how many policemen around the world take advantage of their title for their own pleasure. Has the same thing happened before at the same station? I hope further investigation is done to give justice to the alleged victim. No one should have to go through that.

In this post I am also including a video of a fictional undercover cop who was abused by police/security at a prison.

http://youtu.be/ahpzZcG3X80

Please remember that things like this do go on in the world and we must stop it. Please spread the word. #WomenEmpowerment #ForWomenByAWoman

Who am I you may ask and why does my opinion matter?

Let me inform you about who I am. My name is Heyley and I am currently in college working on getting my B.A. I’m a native New Yorker, I love animals, my favorite color is purple, I use to be a huge fan of Chris Brown, I love the Script, I am a horrible writer, and I cannot whistle. I started college wanting to concentrate in business and “something else”. I didn’t know what kind of business I wanted to open; all I knew was that I wanted to make money. Money, money, money is all I thought about until I realized that it was more than that. Many people are trained to strive for money and wealth. I did have that same mindset until I realized that more of us should be striving to make a difference. What many of us fail to see when we’re money hungry is that there are people around the world who have no food, shelter, confidence, or rights. I realized this right before I came up with a business idea-thank god I did. I want to make money but help people as I am doing it. I plan to help women become entrepreneurs. There are many women around the world who still need to ask for permission to leave their homes, there are women who aren’t allowed to display their beauty, there are women who are not allowed to speak what is on their mind, there are women who are still not allowed to receive an educate, and there are women who are not allowed to own property or businesses. You would think that because it is the 21^st century, gender inequality and sexism is non-existent. The sad truth is that both are still very much alive today. Women need to gain power and confidence and that is why I am here writing this blog. I want to help and encourage women out there that they can do whatever they put their minds to; it may sound cliché, but it’s true.

You may be wondering why I am passionate about helping women. Do you want to know the truth? Years ago when I was about 9 years old I was out with my sister and her boyfriend (now husband). We went to a local restaurant to get some food. I remember it being a nice summer night. We entered the restaurant to order food to go. I was there impatiently waiting because I knew when I got back home I would be able to watch a movie. I saw the man hand over the bag of food and started walking outside the door to the car leaving my sister and her boyfriend behind to pay. When I realized they weren’t behind me I stood in front of the car waiting for them. They were taking their time to pay while a strange man approached me. He was short, maybe around 5’5, dark skin complexion, Hispanic, and had a black moustache. I smelled the strong vodka scent as he was slurring out Spanish words. I couldn’t make out what he was saying, but I could feel his left hand pushing me onto the car and his right touching my body. His hand moved around but mainly stayed in between my legs and my chest. I remember being scared and lost of words. I couldn’t yell for help in fear of him. I guess he heard my sister and her boyfriend from a distance and ran away. There I stood afraid and disgusted. My sister asked what was wrong and I said nothing. She figured nothing was wrong and continued to get into the car. That night I was molested and no one knew about it except for that “man” and me. Instead of hanging out with my sister and watching a movie I headed to bed and cried all night. This happened to me almost 10 years ago and I didn’t speak about it until recently. The first time it came out, I wrote it on paper for an essay which my T.A and professor read, the second time I decided to share my story was in front of a class for a presentation, the third time I shared my story was in front of three of my closest friends in school, the fourth time is now with YOU. This blog right here is the beginning of my journey. My next step is to build the courage to tell my family and to do something about what I experienced. My past is my past, but I don’t want it to negatively impact my life and future. I want to help all women, no matter what situation they’re in. We all have a story and I’m finally sharing mine.

If you read this, thank you !

If you can, please share :)

And I would like to apologize for any grammar or spelling mistakes made.

Heyley