By Ashley Chepkorir [About the author]The author, Ashley, sits on a chair near a window, surrounded by green plants.

International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, is a moment to celebrate the existence, resilience and potential of women everywhere. It is also a reminder that every girl deserves the chance to imagine a future that may seem impossible in the moment.

When I was 12 years old, my grandmother, who had shielded me from a lot, passed away. Around the same time, I was beginning to notice something else in my community: girls were not always encouraged to dream as boldly as boys. Education and opportunity did not always reach us equally. At that age, I could not have imagined the path my life would take.The image features three individuals indoors, under bright lighting. In the center, a person wearing a blue school uniform, including a blazer and tie, holds a phone. On the left, another person in a black polo shirt with a visible logo is engaged in conversation. On the right, a third person is wearing a striped dress and glasses, attentively looking at the phone. Behind them, a group of people is seated, and colorful, decorative elements adorn the room's walls. Transcribed Text: Our author (photo center) in high school at Mpesa Foundation Academy.

But I decided to keep chasing my dreams anyway.

That decision led me to the Mpesa Foundation Academy, a leadership high school in Kenya, where I received a fully funded scholarship. From there, I was able to attend Concordia College, Minn. on a full scholarship as well, studying political science and global studies on the pre-law track while developing my leadership and advocacy skills. Today, as I prepare to graduate from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in just a few months, I often think about that 12-year-old version of myself.

Reflection Questions: Who were the people or communities that encouraged you to pursue your dreams? What was a practical step that helped you realize the possibility? How does and can your faith community encourage girls and young women today?I would tell her that anything is possible.

The ELCA’s social teaching reminds us that every person is created with dignity and that society flourishes when everyone has the opportunity to contribute their gifts. Supporting women and girls is not only about fairness, it is about building communities where everyone can thrive.

The good news is that the world is changing. I now see more communities investing in girls’ education, leadership and potential than ever before.

My hope is that younger girls see stories like mine and realize that their dreams are not too big. They are exactly the size the world needs and that one day, they too will get to do what they love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Chepkorir is an Advocacy Intern with the ELCA Witness in Society staff in Washington, D.C. Chepkorir is a graduate student at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where she is pursuing an MA in International Relations with a concentration in Governance, Politics, and Society and a regional focus on Africa. She holds a BA in Political Science and Global Studies (Pre-Law) from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., graduating magna cum laude. She is passionate about advancing equitable global policy and strengthening partnerships that support humanitarian, development, and governance outcomes.

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