Welcome to VOFCN

Welcome to VOFCN!

As I was starting to write this letter to all of you, I decided that I would like to commence with a quote. A quote from a woman about the importance of learning. And yet, when I googled this subject, I was amazed, but not surprised, that there are hardly any quotes on the importance of learning from women. This underscores the reason why you are here, why I am here and why World Pulse is here: to raise our voices!

You are strong, beautiful and powerful women. You have completed the first ever Voices of Our Future Program and astonished all of us with your courage, your stories, your solutions and support for the women around you. 500 women started the application process for VOF, and 30 of you were chosen for our citizen journalism and empowerment training. Congratulate yourselves, because you have accomplished a great deal in a very short period of time!

However, your job is not yet done! The road to learning, empowerment and sharing your voice is never finished. That’s why we have created the Voices of Our Future Correspondent’s Network (VOFCN)---so you can continue telling all the untold stories of your and other women’s lives. To inspire us, to teach us, to heal and create positive change. The VOFCN will provide on-going educational, networking and publishing opportunities. You are the drivers of this network and have the ability to make it work for you and deepen your impact as journalists and as women. I know that you can do it.

Becoming part of the World Pulse team has been a huge step for me on my path to learning and empowerment. It was a dream of mine since I first heard Jensine speak 5 years ago on her vision and mission to empower women. I am honored to be a part of the Voices of Our Future team. I know that working with brave and dynamic women such as you, I will continue to discover, be challenged and empowered. Together, we will continue on the path set forth by VOF, highlighting the voices and solutions of women around the globe.

A woman who embodies empowerment, Maya Angelou, once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you”. So, keep telling your stories, keep networking and supporting each other, and keep creating change.

Sincerely,

Rachael Maddock-Hughes
Voices of Our Future Program Manager
World Pulse