Blog 10: Michelle Obama urges Africa to advance women's rights

Michele Obama is on her second trip abroad as first lady to help endorsee issues, such as education, health and wellness. The speech that she gave at the Regina Mundi Church touched on more “harder” topics of race, discrimination, democracy and development. Her speech actually played a role in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, and Michele and her mother and two daughters “cited” the individuals in charge of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the civil rights movement in the United States as examples for the younger generation to follow. "It is because of them that we are able to gather here today.It is because of them that I stand before you as First Lady of the United States of America," she said to applause. Obama also spoke passionately about women's rights, saying that the young leaders should make sure women were no longer "second class citizens" and that girls were educated in schools. "You can be the generation that stands up and says that violence against women in any form, in any place, including the home”, said Obama. Michele was actually introduced by Graca Machel, Nelson Mandela's wife. She and her family had a very fortunate opportunity to meet Mandela and his family at his home Tuesday. Mrs. Obama said she told Mandela that he had been an inspiration to her and her husband, the first black president of the United States. "You know what he said? 'OK, thanks,'" said a laughing Michelle. When Michelle was giving her speech, she used her husband's famous campaign slogan to urge the church audience to follow through on the issues she addressed. "If anyone ever tells you that you shouldn't or you can't, then I want you to say with one voice -- the voice of a generation -- you tell them: "Yes, we can."

Michele Obama is the type of individual that makes our nation proud to have her as our First Lady. Well, at least I am. She is such an inspiring role model to girls and women not just nation, but worldwide. Health advocate, education advocate, and women’s rights advocate. What I furthermore find to be impressive is Michelle’s continuously doing her routes and speeches despite the presidential elections. I don’t know too much about Ann Romney, but you don’t hear too much, or anything, about her volunteering or taking the time to travel other countries to advocate women’s rights. I like how she pinpointed racial issues, and urged the young leaders or the country to make sure girls were getting their education, and put into light the wrongness of any sort of violence geared towards women. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/22/us-obama-africa-idUSTRE75J0HW20110622