Finding a Place to Share My Passion

It all started when I attended college, a time where I was ready to explore the opportunities that otherwise would have been denied to me. Of course like many freshmen, I was more interested in having fun and enjoying my new found freedom. It wasn't until my sophomore year I came across some literature on FGM. (Female Genital Mutilation) I didn't understand why such a practice was tolerated and become more curious about the history of it. The more I learned, the more passionate I became. The literature I've encountered, while trying to remain neutral on the subject, it all come down to controlling women. With this, I came across feminist literature, while I didn't realize it at that time, I was a feminist and had a passion for women's issues. I delved into bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Simone de Beauvoir.

Soon after that I become involved in feminist organizations, such as the American Association of University Women and Feminists United. Being apart of these organizations I finally defined myself as self described black feminist. So my focus was specifically on issues pertaining the African American women and the failure of mainstream white feminism to address the issues that are unique to women of color and low income women. Even though I live in a Western nation that prides itself on gender equality, I realized that I am at a disadvantage because of my race and gender. Due to the division within the feminist movement however, I made the decision to become something of a global feminist.

Western feminism had become too narrow, especially since I was someone who passionate about human rights issues. The reason why I chose the label global feminist is because I feel it allows me to care about the plight of all women while simultaneously understanding the needs that are unique to them. I also came to the realization that I could no longer look at women's issues across the globe strictly from a Western feminist lens. This also meant I had to step outside of my Western box, which has proven to be quite a challenge, but it's worth it in the end.

This is how I came across the World Pulse magazine. I was inspired by the women who were doing great things in their communities. I want to be apart of something that reaches out to all women.