By IU Corps
African Women Leadership Organization is a student organization designed to motivate and empower women within the African diaspora, particularly those at Indiana University. Meet the group’s president and founder, Rochelle Adjei, a 2021 IU graduate with a degree in human biology.
Q: What does the African Women’s Leadership Organization do?
A: We serve the IU Bloomington campus and offer fun events for people to fellowship. It is called African Women’s Leadership Organization, but it is for everybody — to spend time together, have a good time, and feel empowered to make positive change. We’re also learning more about crises that are going on within other countries.
Q: Are you working on any exciting events?
A: We are actively fundraising and collecting donations for Project Period, a fundraiser to provide period supplies to women and girls in Ghana schools. The goal is to raise $3,000 through our partnership with Ghana Girls Connect. The donations will go into little gift boxes with pads, tampons, sanitary wipes, and anything you would just need during that time of the month to women currently in a high school in Ghana. Some people may not know what period poverty is and it’s something that is happening worldwide. We sometimes can take it for granted because the supplies we need might be easily accessible, but oftentimes others do not have that option.
Q: What is the importance of Black history in your work?
A: We focus on educating people and empowering not only Afrocentric women but people in the diaspora, and people who want to learn a little more about Afrocentric women. Education is most important. If you are not educating others about your background, how are you able to make a good movement?
Q: How can others get involved?
A: Just be open-minded to listen to other people. Also, be willing to volunteer and learn more through that.
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