Peter Senese: Best-Selling Author, Filmmaker, Entrepreneur and Founding Director of The I CARE Foundation. Read about Peter Senese and the I CARE Foundation’s instrumental work reducing the U.S. outbound rate of child abduction by 38%, the creation of the landmark Hague-oriented ‘International Travel Child Consent Form’, engagements at the United Nation, and dozens of sworn testimonials by families reunited with their abducted children due to Peter Senese and the I CARE Foundation’s efforts.
Last night, when I finally went to bed after the power went out, filled with worry about how my parents, my brothers, my grandmother, and all my friends would fare in the midst of Hurricane Sandy, I could not help but think about friends of mine living out on the Rockaway and Long Beach Peninsulas, particularly since this is where the hurricane was expected to cause the greatest amount of destruction.
Hurricane Sandy lived up to all her billing and then some.
I mean New York City remains shut down, and in reality power is out all over the place, Wall Street and Downtown are shut down .... power is out in nearly 5 million homes (mine included), there is not public transportation (which sucks for many) . . . but none of this compares to what happened to those individuals living in Rockaway, Breezy Poing, and Long Beach.
I ventured into Rockaway and Riis Park a few hours ago. These are the photos and video I took.
In the aftermath of the brunt of Hurricane Sandy's massive storm on the New York metropolitan area, I had a chance to get out and take some video footage of Rockaway Beach and Riis Park.
Watch The Video
Last night the Atlantic Ocean and it's 7 to 10 foot swells roared past the sand beach, crashed into and destroyed the concrete or brick sea walls, and then continued toward Jamaica Bay. As it did, with the streets drowning with the Atlantic - some areas of Riis and Rockaway had water levels as high as 9 feet high - anything and everything that got in its way was destroyed.
Combining this devastation that clearly has destroyed an enormous amount of homes is the tragedy that occurred last night in Breezy Point, Queens - where at least 80 homes burnt to ash in wake of a wind-fueled electric fire.
View The Photographs
The destruction that hit this beautiful peninsula of Queens was tremendous. In the coming days there will be an assortment of fundraisers to help those that have lost so much. Please do what you can to help others.
I am pleased to share my deeply inspired novel Chasing The Cyclone has had a significant impact on a large and growing number of children and targeted parents of international abduction. The information contained in the novel have helped parents from all around the world understand the issues of international child abduction, while offering viable ways parents can protect their children and themselves from abduction. Equally, 100% of all of my various novel's proceeds over the past year have been donated to the I CARE Foundation, which in turn has helped reunite dozens of internationally kidnapped children - including three more children this weekend - or prevented the actual international abduction of children.
Best-Selling Author Peter Thomas Senese
I think for any author, the biggest goal when writing any book is to have an impact on your intended audience. The financial success of a book is obviously important; however, the desire to influence others is the real desire.
And with dozens of children either rescued or protected from abduction thus far, combined with the many initiatives the I CARE Foundation has under way that will further help others, I am pleased with Chasing The Cyclone's impact thus far.
Nevertheless, with 100,000 to 125,000 American children and nearly 20,000 Canadian children expected to be internationally kidnapped over the next 10 years, the success of Chasing The Cyclone and the I CARE Foundation is tempered by the reality that there is a long way to go. This notion is underscored by the reality that only 10% of internationally kidnapped children come home.
The American Flag and U.S. Senate Citation
Having seen first-hand the horrors of abduction, I am committed to continuing fighting this fight. Fortunately, governments from around the world are taking notice of the I CARE Foundation's work - which means we're making a difference.
In fact, it was a tremendous honor and humbling experience to receive this majestic American Flag flown over the United States Capitol Building at the request of the Senate in appreciation for my volunteer work and support of the I CARE Foundation.
From Left to Right Chris Morris, Eugene Pothy & I CARE Founder Peter Thomas Senese
Additionally, last month I had the opportunity to participate in the United State's Department of State's 'International Visitor Leadership Program' at the United State's Mission to the United Nations concerning the foundation's advanced work in child abduction and human trafficking prevention. It was a great honor, particularly when considering some of the incredible global leaders who have previously participated in the program.
Unquestionably, the publication of 'Chasing The Cyclone' has helped many parents and children: new laws have been passed, new policies implemented, and new legislation that could help stop abduction and trafficking is on the horizon - and children are home.
My financial commitment to the I CARE Foundation and support of the organization's efforts to help children remains steadfast as shared by I CARE Board Member, Hague Convention Attorney Network member and highly respect attorneyJoel Walter in a very kind article he shared on his website.
Being able to assist the I CARE Foundation has been a responsibility of mine that in truth has been a privilege to uphold.
THE I CARE FOUNDATION
From the seed that is Chasing The Cyclone, this is a sampling of the things that have been accomplished:
1. The creation of the 501-C-3 Not-for-profit ‘International Child Abduction Research & Enlightenment’ Foundation' (I CARE Foundation) that was established to and has successfully rescued numerous internationally kidnapped children while conducting advanced research in the area of IPCA in order advocate for the creation of new laws that will protect children from international kidnapping.
5. Board Member Carolyn Vlk wrote the legislation for the State of Florida's Child Abduction Prevention Act while Board Member Peter Thomas Senese orchestrated lobbying efforts that led to the unanimous passage of the CAPA legislation into now effective law; and,
6. Successfully advocated for the federal implementation of the 'Prevent Departure Program' to be used as a tool to stop international parental child abduction; and,
7. Writer and advocate behind legislative initiatives to prevent international child abduction by modifying the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative; and,
8. Writer and advocate behind legislative initiatives to prevent international child abduction by modifying the Prevent Departure Program II; and,
9. The co-authoring and creation and FREE publication of the extensive 'The World Turned Upside Down' open-tablet E-book resource guide on IPCA; and,
13. The creation of one of the most informative websites on IPCA; and,
14. The ongoing efforts to create additional federal laws that evolve around child abduction prevention.
15. The stout support and advocacy that led to the passage of on line impersonation laws such as those passed in the states of California and New York.
17. Upcoming I CARE Foundation sponsored educational legal training seminars for lawyers in the area of IPCA.
18. A large and growing grass-roots effort to educate parents about the risks ofIPCA and child trafficking.
19. A promise to continue my efforts to educate society about the issues of IPCA, use my resources whenever possible to assist others, and to work toward the passage of new laws that will protect children, as demonstrated in the sworn testimonials of my conduct.
20. Recently participated in the U.S. Department of State's United State's Mission's International Global Visitor Leadership Program at the Untied Nations.
All from a book called 'Chasing The Cyclone' that was inspired by the time in my life I was required to chase into the storms of abduction.
One final note, and this is personally extremely important to me to share. Before I raised my voice and tried to make a difference in the fight against IPCA, there were, as there are today other wonderful advocates who have fought so hard to protect children by raising their voice, using their resources to fight a good fight, and to pass new laws that will protect children. I recognize and applaud each of these individuals who make up the community of child advocates who are dedicated to protecting children.
For more on me, Peter Thomas Senese, I invite you to visit my official website.
When I think of all the interviews I have done so far concering international parental child abduction and 'Chasing The Cyclone', one published interview stands out for: the one that Jennifer Cluff, voted one of Canada's Top 5 Parenting Bloggers conducted with me.
In addition, I am thrilled to share that 3 more internationally abducted children were returned home in accordance to the rules of the Hague Convention. This was a tremendous accomplishment . . . in fact, it is nothing short of a miracle.
I am very happy for my friend Bryan, who accomapanied me and New York police officer Chris Morris to the United Nations last month to talk about international parental child abduciton Bryan has never stopped hoping to reunite with his children.
Obviously there is a serious problem going on: children are being internationally abducted in large numbers yet few ever come home.
Raising awareness is critical.
And in many ways, this is where the amazing parenting writers can and have already made a very big difference. And if you happen to be one of these parents - a giant Thank You!
TIME IS NOT THE FRIEND OF TARGETED PARENTS TRYING TO REUNITE WITH THEIR ABDUCTED CHILDREN.
Under both Pennsylvania state law and under United States federal law, it is illegal to either remove a child or children of a partnership or marriage from the country without permission of the child or children's other parent or a court order should the other parent have a right of custody to the child or children.
Obviously, the brach of a court order directing a non-removal speaks for itself. If there is no court order, and the other parenrt has a right of custody (either sole or joint), and their right of custody is impeded, this too is an illegal act.
In such cases where a parent wrongfully removes or detains a child in another country outside of the child's country of original jurisdiciton, and denies the child's other parent their rights of custody, this is known as internaitonal parental child abduciton. And it is a crime in the United States under both state and federal law.
In order to reuntie with an abducted or illegally detained child. parents living in the United States has avaialble to them the opportunity to use the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduciton in order to reunite with their wrongfully taken or detained child or children.
Unquestionably, the Hague Convention works. However, it has major flaws too, including that many nations do not uphold the spirit and intent of the convention, the financial costs for U.S. parents is extraoridany, and the process has mechanisms in place that could allow an abductor the opportunity to actually remain abroad and kidnap the child of the relationship.
But today, we see that the Hague Convention did work. It took time. And the costs for one particular father were immense. But he never waivered in his love for his three children. And so today, after a very long litigation, his children are finally on their way home!
I am sure that father feels like he is in labor. I know I do.
Last week I was presented with a very special gift: An amazing American Flag that was flown over the United States Capitol Building at the request of the U.S. Senate in appreciation for my volunteer work on behalf of children of international child abduction on behalf of the non-profit I CARE Foundation I am the founding director of.
It is an honor to receive such a treasure. I am humbled, honored, and unbowed in my dedication to help other parents and children of abduction.
For some time, I have been working on what I hope to be a very different type of book about one of my heroes, President George Washington. As my research continues to unfold, I have been drawn to a women who, has clearly taken a heightened place in American history is in fact so much more in every capacity than how she has previously been portrayed: Martha Washington.
America's first lady was in fact a stunning, clever, strong, and unbowed women who in reality, when reflecting upon the rise of a women's voice in the west, was in fact a maverick.
During another recent trip to Mount Vernon, where I conducted additional research on Martha, I could not help but laugh at how Martha was portrayed as some frumpy old lady when in fact she was an extremely attractive, intelligent, and highly independent women who was in reality, George Washington's true partner and equal.
How independent was Martha?
During the time George Washington was going to be inaugurated as America's first president at Federal Hall on New York's Wall Street, she did not want her husband to take on that responsibility . . . so she stayed home back at Mount Vernon.
As a sidebar, think about what must have been going on in President Washington's head that day and during the night of his inaguration!
Over the coming months I will be sharing some interesting facts about my research discoveries and how these new understandings about Martha Washington matter today.
Here is a general biography of America's First Lady . . .
Martha Dandridge was born on June 2, 1731 on her parents' plantation Chestnut Grove in the British colony, Province of Virginia. She was the oldest daughter of John Dandridge (1700–1756), a Virginia planter and English immigrant, and Frances Jones (1710–1785) of English and Welsh descent.
Martha had three brothers and four sisters: John (1733–1749), William (1734–1776), Bartholomew (1737–1785), Anna Marie "Fanny" Dandridge Bassett (1739–1777), Frances (1744–1757), Elizabeth Dandridge Aylet Henley (1749–1800), and Mary Dandridge (1756–1763).
She may have had an illegitimate half-sister (date of birth unknown), Ann Dandridge Costin, who was born into slavery; her enslaved mother was African and Cherokee and her father was believed to be John Dandridge.[3] Her father may also have sired an illegitimate half-brother, Ralph Dandridge (date of birth not known), who was probably white.
On May 15, 1750 at age 18 Martha married Daniel Parke Custis, a rich planter two decades her senior. They lived at White House Plantation on the south shore of the Pamunkey River, a few miles upriver from Chestnut Grove. She had four children with him. A son and a daughter, Daniel (1751–1754) and Frances (1753–1757), died in childhood, but two other children, John (Jacky) Parke Custis (1754–1781) and Martha ("Patsy") Parke Custis (1756–1773) survived to young adulthood.
Her husband's death in 1757 left Martha a rich young widow at age 25, with independent control over a dower inheritance for her lifetime, including properties and slaves, and trustee control over the inheritance of her minor children. "She capably ran the five plantations left to her when her first husband died, bargaining with London merchants for the best tobacco prices."
Martha Dandridge Custis, aged 27, and George Washington, aged nearly 27, married on January 6, 1759, at the White House plantation. As a man of the area, Washington likely knew both Martha and her late husband for some time before his death. In March 1758 he visited her twice at White House; the second time he came away with either an engagement of marriage or at least her promise to think about his proposal. At the time, she was also being courted by the planter Charles Carter, who was even wealthier than Washington.
The wedding was grand. Washington's suit was of blue and silver cloth with red trimming and gold knee buckles. The bride wore purple silk shoes with spangled buckles, which are occasionally displayed at Mount Vernon. The couple honeymooned at White House for several weeks before setting up house at Washington's Mount Vernon estate. They appeared to have had a solid marriage
Martha and George Washington had no children together, but they raised Martha's two surviving children. Her daughter, nicknamed Patsy, died as a teenager during an epileptic seizure, classed as SUDEP. John (Jackie) Custis returned from college to comfort his mother.
Custis later married and had children; he served as an aide to Washington during the siege of Yorktown in 1781 during the American Revolutionary War. He died of "camp fever" (probably epidemic typhus).
After his death, the Washingtons raised two of John's four children, Eleanor Parke Custis (March 31, 1779 - July 15, 1852), and George Washington Parke Custis (April 30, 1781 - October 10, 1857). They also provided personal and financial support to nieces, nephews and other family members in both the Dandridge and Washington families.
Content to live a private life at Mount Vernon and her homes from the Custis estate, Martha Washington followed Washington to his winter encampments for each of eight years. She helped keep up morale among the officers.
After the war, she opposed his agreeing to be President of the newly formed United States of America, and refused to attend his inauguration (April 30, 1789). Once he came to office, as the First Lady, Mrs. Washington hosted many affairs of state at New York and Philadelphia during their years as temporary capitals. (The capital was moved to Washington D. C. in 1800 under the Adams administration, following construction of the Capitol and White House).
Today's Heroes An Introspective Of Individuals Making The World A Better Place By Peter Thomas Senese
The brilliance of the human race is found in each individual's desires to enhance the human condition and positively impact the lives of others. If benevolent acts of kindness and human connectivity sprout from seeds of compassion, then clearly the soil that these seedlings take root are found in each person's moral foundation. Nutured through determination, courage, intelligence, and enlightenment of what it is to be part of the human race, on occassion, these seedlings, if I may, grow to be special individuals that make our world a much better place.
It is my absolute privilige to share with you the remarkable work of my very good friend, one that inspires me in great ways, South Africa's Haseena Patel, who, with her incredible sister Shameema, are co-founders of Leave No Girl Behind International, a tremendous outreach movement focussed on educating and enlightening young girls and young women that their voices matter . . . and matters a great deal.
In deciding to create the 'Heroes of Today' series, I gave great thought and consideration to what a hero is. Clearly, heroes come in every shape and form. Some hero's acts are grand and sweeping, while others are less visible, but nevertheless, equally important.
Haseena Patel Co-Founder Leave No Girl Behind
In selecting the individuals I have decided to write about, one of the many qualities I paid great attention to was the ability for that person to courageously give of themselves so that others may have long-lasting benefit. In my expansive world, I have been blessed to know and befriend a remarkable number of individuals that have dedicated their lives to enhance the lives of the oppressed, the poor, the sick, and the defenseless. These individuals are my heroes. I have learned a great deal from them.
One of these individuals that has enriched my and many other lives is Haseena Patel. And though the Leave No Girl Behind Movement is still a seedling, say in comparrision to the spectacular mighty trees that have grown across the world due to the tremendous Greenbelt Movement started by Africa's first women to win the Noble Peace Prize, Dr. Wangari Maathai, there is no question in my mind that under Hassena's outspoken and indefitigable leadership, the Leave No Girl Behind Movement will one day have as much of an impact on girls as Professor Maathai's Greenbelt Movement has for millions of women around the world.
Dr. Wangari Maathai Africa's First Women Noble Laureate
During the time that I was blessed to have spent with Wangari, there was one lesson I learned more than any other: that each of our voices not only mattered, but could really make a difference. When we embrace the courage to utilize our voice, it is only then that we live in 'Uhuru' - freedom!
Freedom - what a concept. Yet so many young girls do not truly understand what it is to live in 'Uhuru'. But this is changing due to the tremendous advocates such as Hassena and Shameema Patel. And the world is a better place because of them. The Leave No Girl Behind Movement has 5 functions:
1. To empower girls through our programs (such as the Leadership Program and Worldwide Network, and the Help-Her-Help-Herself Project).
Leave No Girl Behind International
2. To raise awareness worldwide about why it is essential for us as a global community to empower girls (we aim to do this through our soon-to-be-published book, Leave No Girl Behind, as well as through our website).
3. To change the inferior way girls and women are perceived and treated in many cultures.
4. To create a community of like-minded individuals working together to uplift girls everywhere.
5. To stand united with every individual and organization worldwide that shares this common purpose – together we can make a difference in the lives of our global family of 6 billion!
What is Leave No Girl Behind International?
Leave No Girl Behind International is an organization created to empower girls in various ways, and inspire them to live up to their own potential instead of living down to others’ (or even their own) expectations. Its purpose is to create a much needed shift in our world through girls’ empowerment.
Can you please provide a few examples of how LNGBI specifically empowers and inspires young women?
We have the LNGBI Leadership program which individuals or groups can participate in. The leadership program provides instruction on how young women can address real-life circumstances that they face in a way that empowers them while respecting their bodies, mind, and spirits. In essence, we bring to light the ability of each person to make a decision and how important their voice really is.
Presently, we have a Power Package Program which includes a consulting session, a personalized video and also an audio track that provides empowerment. Additionally, our Help-Her-Help-Herself Project to be launched on the 27th October 2012, which is a program that empowers girls in high-risk situations or developing countries who cannot afford and don’t have access to our other programs. We also have a much shorter mentoring program that works well for girls who don’t have ready access to the Internet – with this program, we work with other organizations in those countries who can provide Internet access to the girls once a week for about 4 weeks so that they can complete the program.
Can you provide insight on a few success stories?
There are plenty, but one that stands out revolves around a South African girl who is 15 years old and who completed the leadership program. This young lady had everything that any South African girl could have material access to, yet she felt that by participating in the leadership program, it would help her to mature and understand more about the world and how her voice mattered in it. So in her scenario, empowerment came in a different way in the sense that this was not a girl who was impoverished and was facing issues that may be more prevalent in low-income environments. In her scenario, empowerment was used to elevate personal and social responsibility with the aspiration that this young lady will demonstrate leadership qualities throughout her life.
Shameema Patel Co-Founder Leave No Girl Behind
We also had a girl in her senior year in California participate in a leadership program via Skype. In her words: “I have figured out new ways of approaching certain situations in school and in other aspects of my life. I have learned to step outside of my comfort zone to help other people…this program has helped me learn how being positive will make a difference in everything I set out to do.”
Additionally, we have also mentored a group of girls in rural Zimbabwe (Girl Child Network Zimbabwe helped with getting the girls together and providing Internet access) and discussed a variety of issues relevant to their issues and needs so to help facilitate better decision making on their part so to protect and respect their bodies, their minds, and their spirit.
Clearly, each girl’s needs and issues are different due to a host of factors. However, the message we share is the same: live up to your full potential instead of living down to others’ (or even their own) expectations. Respect your body, your mind, and your spirit because your voice matters.
What is your role with Leave No Girl Behind International?
I am co-founder of Leave No Girl Behind International. My sister, Shameema is my founding partner. I am actively involved in public speaking and coaching of girls for our organization while Shameema concentrates on creating outreach and handles many of the organization’s operational and planning needs.
Why is Leave No Girl Behind International important to young women?
Young women will make choices based on how they see themselves. Often, the way they see themselves is just a reflection of how others, particularly the most important people in their lives, see them. Through the programs offered by Leave No Girl Behind International, girls/young women are able to get to know themselves as they can be and are inspired to rise up to their full potential.
In this sense, we teach girls and young women to learn to trust and respect themselves. And we educate them about the concepts of courage. Combining these qualities, we then focus on decision-making as it comes to their present and anticipated journey, and of course, where they want to go and who they want to become.
How much of your message to young women revolves around the concepts of ‘courage’ and ‘finding your voice’?
I think “courage” and “finding your voice” is dealt with directly and indirectly all the time when we work with young women, and at a certain point they do find their voices without even realizing this – it is something that happens gradually just from participation in the programs.
Why is Leave No Girl Behind International important to the world?
Leave No Girl Behind International
Our organization is a means of raising awareness about the necessity of girls’ empowerment. We are able to show people worldwide why girls’ empowerment relates to their own lives – many people don’t realize that. And more importantly, we’re able to express to others how empowering or not empowering our girls will affect us in every conceivable way, on a global level.
How would you assess the global landscape for women as political leaders in an ever changing, closer, world, and what benefits do you think the world would have if more women had a greater role in politics?
I remember the opening line of the Charles Dickens Novel, A Tale of Two Cities – “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” - I think that describes what things are like for women in the political arena.
In this age of recognizing equality and doing away with gender-based roles, the time is ripe for women to have significant roles in the political arena. And those women who do have such roles are able to extend their influence beyond their countries and set a precedent for women around the world.
At the same time, in some of the middle eastern countries, for example, women who take a stand or rise up to assume political power have to deal with those radical conservatives who feel increasingly threatened by the power that women are beginning to have. And because of this, these women’s lives are in more danger than before – hence, the “worst of times”!
If women had greater roles in politics, firstly, they’d inspire other women around the world to become empowered, and this in itself would benefit the world – more educated mothers equal more educated citizens of the world. The other point is that men and women do have different perspectives and having more women in the political arena would lead to more “balance” when making decisions – something different would be brought to the table.
Are there any geopolitical leaders that inspire you and who you think have made the world a better place for both women and men?
There are so many leaders – living and dead who have inspired me in some way including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Barack Obama, and definitely Hillary Clinton. Here in South Africa, our former president, Nelson Mandela is a great inspiration. And Archbishop Desmond Tutu definitely has made the world a better place by speaking out against injustices in the world. Each of them, and other great heroes talk about something that is so innate to the right of life: freedom. And that is what the Leave No Girl Behing Movement embraces and teaches: the right of each girl to live free.
All these amazing leaders have had an impact, not just on their own countries, but on the world – they have helped people to see what is possible out there and how anyone can make a huge difference.
What influenced you to start Leave No Girl Behind International?
Leave No Girl Behind Available Octover 27th, 2012
It actually started off with an idea for a book – I was going to write a book to inspire girls with messages from a thousand different women around the world.
That evolved to the point where the focus of the book became about creating a transformation on our planet through girls’ empowerment…then Shameema became my co-author, and gradually our vision grew and Leave No Girl Behind International was borne.
Would you say that the power of a ‘book’ is still alive and well today?
Yes – the power of a book will always be alive and well. Wherever there are words to be read, there will be people who are inspired to understand them and use them to benefit their lives. People will always be looking for answers to their lives.
In our own case, the idea for a book became the Leave No Girl Behind movement. Clearly, written words can be seeds to social and political change. They make us think and they inspire. Young girls, particularly those living in less affluent countries are easily exploited.
What leadership programs does your organization provide to help young women become aware of the challenges they face as women in these environments?
Presuming that we’re talking about girls in the rural areas of developing countries who are surrounded by poverty and really difficult circumstances; girls who don’t have support around them, our shorter mentoring program works well for them – with this program, we work with other organizations in those countries who can provide Internet access to the girls once a week for about 4 weeks so that they can complete the program. This helps them to develop as leaders while learning how to deal with their unique set of circumstances.
Where is Leave No Girl Behind International based out of?
We are based out of Newcastle, South Africa. However, we optimize technology and are able to connect with girls globally through Skype, email and a variety of social media outlooks including Facebook, and so, Leave No Girl Behind International’s reach is global.
Is there an average number of young women you work with on a monthly basis?
We work with whoever desires to participate in our programs – there is no average number because at times we may work with many individual participants while other times we work with large groups. However, in the spirit of giving our best to each girl, we do place limits as to the number of girls who participate in our interactive programs together in the same group.
The plight of women in Africa continues to be challenging. Remarkable women, including Noble Peace Prize winner Dr. Wangari Maathai, Ory Okolloh, and Chimamanda Adichie are amongst some of the most brilliant women advocate-leaders who were based out of Africa. Yet their influence has been world-wide. Nevertheless, their efforts began with a seed - an idea - if you will.
What is your 'seed' and where do you see Leave No Girl Behind International evolving to?
Haseena Patel
That’s an interesting question…particularly because we’re in the evolving stage right now! When people think of Africa and relate it to girls’ empowerment, they think of poverty and HIV, teenage promiscuity and teen pregnancy. All this is a realistic picture, but there is also the other side: Girls who may not be in this situation also need empowering, and we often forget about their needs because they’re not in high-risk situations. So the “seed” would be something Shameema and I feel so strongly about: ALL girls need empowering, no matter who they are, where they live or what their background is.
As for evolving, we’ve given this a lot of thought. At first we didn’t define Leave No Girl Behind International – we just had the name and empowered girls in a way that we thought was best. We also had to earn a living, though, while at the same time creating ways to empower those who could not pay for our programs.
So I think Leave No Girl Behind International has evolved to a point where we have two parts of our organization: our business (the profit-making part!), and the movement (the non-profit part). The latter involves projects that anyone anywhere can participate in, and so we can all create a global movement.
How have the lives of the African women changed?
While there is the realization among women of what they are able to achieve and what is possible for them among different communities, things are different. In some African communities, women’s roles are entrenched in tradition and culture, and women haven’t advanced at all. Then, there is the situation in South Africa where women have the freedom, but the education standard had dropped so drastically, that there is no education to go with the freedom and therefore no sense of purpose and responsibility. It’s really sad, because the potential is there, but women have not advanced. Courage plays a great deal in our lives.
For the girls and young women you serve, what is it that makes a young lady take that first step to participate in the Leave No Girl Behind Movement?
A young woman could participate in the movement by either accepting and using one of our non-profit programs and empowering herself, or participating as the empowerer and empowering other young women through one of these programs (e.g. our soon-to-be-launched Help-Her-Help-Herself Project).
If she is in the first category, I think she reaches the point where she can take a step back and know that she needs to empower herself first to accomplish any worthy goal. It’s that point when you know that something has to change and you’re the one who needs to change it. And that’s where courage comes in.
As an advocate, helping others, particularly young women facing serious abuse means that you have to deal in a world of 'darkness' often. Why do you do this, and what allows you to manage the 'darkness'?
To be honest, I have seldom had to deal with that kind of situation. In most cases I’m empowering girls who don’t know that they’re not empowered; who aren’t being abused, but who are in danger of being abused because their perceptions of themselves and their capabilities may lead to them choosing the wrong partner and feeling that a man treating a woman in an inferior or abusive way is acceptable.
But growing up in a medical family, I’ve been accustomed to our family helping young women facing abuse, in various ways. When you can help provide some light through making these women’s lives easier in some way, the darkness is more bearable.
There must be times when you feel disheartened by the amount of hardships you see young women facing who you are trying to help. What do you do to overcome the emotional hardships?
I have to remember my role in the situation – to empower and educate the young woman in some way. Change doesn’t always happen in great strides. Often there are small, almost unnoticeable changes in the young woman which lead to equally unnoticeable changes in her life. I have to remember that these small changes will eventually lead to her changing her life in a big way and overcoming all these hardships.
Women bloggers, particularly ‘parenting bloggers’ / ‘mommy bloggers’ (depending on the terminology you are comfortable with) have played and are expected to play a critical role in transforming society by weighing in on and influencing public opinion on a host of issues similar to the way Mary Welsh Hemmingway and Jacqueline Saix did for TIME magazine when they were amongst the first of a small group of women war correspondents reporting from the front-line during World War II (with Mary becoming a major factor in Ernest Hemingway’s life, and Jacqueline remarkably becoming one of the first female television producers for the BBC after the war). How do you see the role and importance of women parenting bloggers on young women, and how can these women make a difference in the lives of young women through their writing?
Women parenting bloggers are examples of empowered women; empowered mothers. Just by reading their blogs, young women can learn a great deal. These mom-bloggers spark the awareness of possibility in young women, and the young women also exposed to a different world – one that could become theirs someday. Young women are able to consider new opinions and ideas and get to know themselves better by asking themselves if they agree with the viewpoints expressed.
How do you have fun?
For a long time, I had forgotten how to have fun and right now I’m relearning what fun means. But I do love to listen to music, spend time with friends, experience new things, read, write, sometimes play the piano or recorder, and occasionally watch a really good movie with substance!
What makes you happy?
People achieving their dreams. Also, writing and being able to make a difference through my writing. What is a hero to you?
Someone who stands up for what they believe in despite opposition, serves others, has compassion for others, and pushes the boundaries for a good reason.
Do you have a book coming out, and if so, what is it about?
Yes – our book, Leave No Girl Behind: How To Help Girls Become The Change In Our World, will be launched in South Africa on the 27th of October. It is my second book and Shameema’s first. This book has a two-fold purpose: to inspire and empower girls, as well as to raise awareness about why girls’ empowerment is important and what it will mean to the world. We also share share the Help-Her-Help-Herself Project with our readers – a simple way to make a difference in a girl’s life with very little time, money and skills, and something that even children are able to participate in.
What’s really special about this book is that it is not just our words in it – we have many contributors worldwide with such unique messages and stories. Some, like Dr Wayne Dyer, are very well known, while others are people who have an incredible message for girls and are really passionate about girls’ empowerment. They all stand with us and together we have all created this powerful book.
When a young girl is in a volatile situation, what should she do?
She should find someone supportive to talk to – just verbalizing her challenge and her feelings makes such a difference. And from there she’ll feel strong enough to develop an action plan or to speak to someone who can help her professionally. If there is no one to talk to, she can journal her feelings and her situation so that she can take a step back and look at her situation objectively. Having said this, I’m very aware that a great many girls in volatile situations don’t have ready access to help and many don’t have the education to be able to journal…there are no simple answers, but I do know that the long-term answer lies in educating and empowering girls.
How important is it to believe in yourself and to find your voice even when you think nobody else does and you think nobody else hears you?
You are the only one who can change your life. You are the one with the power. Whether you use that power is up to you. So even if no one else believes in you or no one else hears you, you still have the choice to believe in yourself and find your voice – and this gives you what you need to empower yourself and literally transform your life. A great example is Oprah Winfrey, one of my greatest teachers and my hero. You have to realise that it takes work, though. It is a process, but you are worth the time and effort.
What’s next?
We’re taking Leave No Girl Behind International to the next level in various ways – new programs, creating more awareness of our organization and just the need for girls’ empowerment in general, and also making a difference with our radio show which we’ve taken a short sabbatical from. We want to interact with more girls in more places. We want to move with our changing world so that we can always stay in the know about what girls have to face, and by doing so, be equipped to make a difference.
* * *
It is my privilege to share the incredible mission that Haseena Patel and Shameema Patel are on. Their effort, determination, and desire to make a difference in the lives of young women and growing girls is so important to the face of our planet and the direction of mankind.
In parting, I would like to thank Haseena and Shameema for allowing me to come into your life, and equally, for teaching me, through example, about how important it is to Leave No Girl Behind.
The destruction that hit this beautiful peninsula of Queens was tremendous. In the coming days there will be an assortment of fundraisers to help those that have lost so much. Please do what you can to help others.
