Behind every young women in leadership is an education. Here at Mango, we believe in the power of reading and the value that books hold. More importantly, we believe that change can be enacted at any age–so long as you learn how to get organized and stay focused. This month, we’re celebrating two badass young women in leadership who paved the way for education and equality for all women: Dr. Blackwell and Malala Yousafzai.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell: Medical Matriarch
A British physician and champion of many firsts for women, Elizabeth Blackwell was born in February 1821. She was the first woman in America to receive a medical degree and encouraged the presence of women in the medical field. Dr. Blackwell continued to make strides by also becoming the first woman on the Medical Register of the General Medical Council and even opening her own college in New York City.
Malala Yousafzai: Exponent for Education
A Pakistani born women’s rights and education advocate, Malala Yousafza, has spoken against the suppression of children and young people since she was 11. In 2012, 15-year-old Malala made headlines after being publicly shot by the Taliban. She survived and co-founded the Malala Fund, an organization aimed at bringing education to girls everywhere. In December 2014, she became the youngest-ever Nobel laureate and serves as an inspiration to countless young women in leadership.
Any woman has the power to make a difference and enable change. To Dr. Blackwell and Malala Yousafza, the first step is educating ourselves. In A Body to Love you’ll educate yourself on unhealthy habits, media literacy, and how to connect with ourselves and others. For the Autumn Peltier and Greta Thunberg inspired women, Sustainable Badass is your go-to guide to being sustainable at home and in life.
Q+A with Authors Angelina Caruso and Gittemarie Johansen
MANGO: What are some ways young women in leadership can impact change?
ANGIE: The most important action young female leaders can take to impact change is to start (or at least contribute to) difficult conversations. One of the reasons so many young women struggle with issues related to body image is because these topics are rarely discussed in an honest manner. Sparking discussions and expressing personal struggles allows others to feel seen and supported. In turn, they will feel comfortable to contribute as well. This allows us, as a community, to change the narrative and therefore impact change in a healthy, collective way.
GITTEMARIE: While young women are still constantly underestimated, they are absolutely vital in the process of changing and improving systemic issues and flaws in our society today. By challenging the status quo, providing new perspectives, and diversifying business fields and industries, young female leaders can lift each other up, provide transparent and ethical supply chains and simultaneously help further the narrative of sustainability, as well as equality.
Curious for more? Click below to learn more about female leaders and meet the authors behind our Women’s History Month Book Series