A few years ago, Chrysalis celebrated its 25th anniversary by unveiling a new tagline: Smart girls, strong women, successful communities, 100 percent give back.

 

There are many reasons we feel it’s important to emphasize the words “strong women.”  After all, it took 72 years for women in this country to earn the right to vote — as recounted in Louise Noun’s book, “Strong-Minded Women.” But don’t mistake the characteristics of strong-minded women to match those of a man. It’s not about physical power. It’s about a sense of purpose, commitment, confidence and courage.

 

These traits don’t just find their way into our lives. It takes work. Being mentally tough is having the energy and stamina to face difficulty without losing inner strength. It takes the resources, mental ability and physical capacity to confront challenges of all kinds. It takes grit. And it takes tenacity.

 

These are the qualities we see in female leaders and, through time, in ourselves:

• We’ve learned to focus on who we are, rather than what we do — a sense of purpose.
• We’re persistent in working hard and bringing about results — a sense of commitment.
• We’ve developed a trust in our own abilities or values — a sense of confidence.
• We’re able to face uncertainty, intimidation or risk — a sense of courage.

Despite our strength, confidence and capabilities, we always have room for learning, and for teaching others what we’ve learned.

 

There are so many reasons we need a strong community of women in our lives. Research has shown that when we have a strong social network, women live longer and healthier lives. And it always helps to have others who support your own goals and ideals. “We must always attempt to lift as we climb,” noted feminist and activist Dr. Angela Davis.

 

Remarkably, Noun never saw herself as having “leadership” qualities. But one needs only to review her accomplishments to recognize that she was, in fact, an amazing woman and leader of many. Louise was authentic.
 

We can thank the thousands of strong-minded women who, like Louise, led the founding and development of the women’s rights movement. The problems they faced and the choices they made were in many ways as difficult as the challenges we face today.

 

From Joan of Arc to Susan B. Anthony to Corazon Aquino, women have influenced our world by shaping social reform, environmental justice, fashion and French cooking. There is something remarkable about a woman who is strong-minded. And I will continue to be impressed by the women who surround me, as well as those who will become our future.

 

 

Email her at thernandez@chrysalisfdn.org or connect by phone through Chrysalis at 515-255-1853.