The Power of a Purse

This was my submission for a writing contest for Mothers and More and their annual Power of a Purse Campaign.  I didn't win, but I enjoyed writing it so I thought I would share...

Our personality shines through in the selection of our purse. It represents our style. It’s shows who we are. Do you like small very organized purses and keep the contents to a minimum or large ones that can hold everything? Do you choose a flashy purse with bright colors or fancy embellishments? Or do you opt for a classic style or a basic black that goes with everything?

Some of us have numerous purses and we change them out as the occasion calls for. It’s like an accessory we use to match our outfit. Our purse represents us. I remember when I came home from the hospital with my first child. I glanced at my purse on the floor and thought “there’s my old life.” Now I would be carrying a diaper bag and yes it had to be fashionable too.

But today I am writing about those who may not have the luxury of owning even 1 purse. Did you know that almost half the world's population, 2.1 billion people, live on less than $2 a day. Of these people, 880 million live on less than $1 a day. Those statistics are staggering to me. And poverty exists right here in the United States as well. I am fortunate enough to take owning a purse for granted. But too many women don’t have that option. They don’t have a handbag to call their very own. To carry their personal items in. To have change floating around in the bottom - forgotten about because after all it’s only change.

 Did you know that the Power of a Purse campaign also provides educational resources to help women increase their financial awareness, confidence and control? Consider this quote: 

 

"If you educate a woman, you educate a nation." 

 

This quote conveys the power that a mother has. In countries were women are oppressed and discriminated against, often the man is in charge of the finances and will use it unwisely and for pleasure. Education efforts have shown that when the mother is placed in charge of the finances her maternal instincts will have her using the money for the betterment of her family. When you educate the mother you are breaking the cycle of poverty and uneducation for the next generation.

Just imagine what a simple purse would mean to one of those women. Please consider donating one of those purses discarded in the back or your closet that is no longer being used? Here is your chance to empower someone. To make them feel special. To give them a sense of ownership. And by contributing to this campaign and helping a woman in need you could very well be helping to shape a village, town, city or even a nation.