Women do a world of good: How one woman transformed personal tragedy into triumph

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Elizabeth Smart is a world-renowned author and advocate for women.

At age 14, Elizabeth Smart had survived a 9-month abduction and sexual assault. Born out of this tragic period in her life, she blossomed into a world-renowned author and advocate for women, promoting hope, empowerment, and change in the fight against sexual violence. The Elizabeth Smart Foundation is a women and survivor-led organization building a more compassionate society to end sexual violence.

Smart’s advocacy work marries well with the mission of the Junior League of Cincinnati (JLC). The core values of the JLC guide the purpose of the organization. These values align with the work of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Each organization believes in the unique power of women’s leadership abilities to transform individuals and communities. This can be achieved through the cultivation of empowerment, which is necessary to create positive, lasting societal change.

When planning began for the Junior League’s first annual event entitled “Women Doing A World of Good,” Ms. Smart was a natural fit for what JLC envisioned to bring awareness to one of the most pressing issues for women today: advocating for sexual assault victims. “An Afternoon with Elizabeth Smart” brings together concerned citizens from across Greater Cincinnati for a powerful and action-driven conversation on advocacy and sharing of resources available to support women and children.

The March event at Memorial Hall OTR, is more than just a fundraiser for the Junior League of Cincinnati. The event will further support JLC’s mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training.

HER Cincinnati, a current signature partner of Junior League, will also benefit with Ms. Smart’s visit to Cincinnati as the keynote speaker at “Women Doing a World of Good.” The organization empowers women to break the cycles of poverty, addiction and human trafficking. They see a world where all women cultivate skills and confidence to thrive in today’s world. Their program focuses on three areas: housing, education, and recovery services. It is clear that the supportive nature of all three organizations align.

The Elizabeth Smart Foundation provides a number of avenues to help women to gain the confidence to become strong. “Smart Defense” is a program with over 1500 participants and a 97% satisfaction rate. The program is a holistic, self-defense program that emphasizes education surrounding sexual violence prevention, in addition to teaching martial arts techniques used for defense and escape. Other programs include “We Believe You,” a storytelling program that gives survivors a platform to reclaim their voices and share their experiences. ESF also hosts a “Survivor Support Fund” providing financial assistance to adult survivors of sexual violence.

Historically the Junior League has empowered women to lead for over 100 years.

“Everyone felt that our scattered efforts could accomplish more if banded together by a strong league spirit.”

– Junior League of Cincinnati First Meeting Report, March 17, 1920.

This statement of purpose has permeated various programs and initiatives within JLC. The current focus is strengthening women and children’s environments which requires immediate action, with a commitment to improving the community by stimulating change and empowering people through the direct efforts of dedicated volunteers advancing women’s leadership.