Over the weekend, Zahara Jolie used her voice for change at the Women in Training Inc. Annual Mother-Daughter Brunch in Montgomery, Alabama.
Joined by her mom, Angelina Jolie, the 20-year-old delivered a powerful speech to bring awareness to period poverty.
She began by first thanking the event organizers, 17-yearold twins Breanna and Brooke Bennett, and expressed gratitude for her mother’s support.
“I’m so happy to be here today with all of you at this beautiful mother daughter brunch hosted by the inspiring Brooke and Brea Bennett and their wonderful organization, women in training. I’m so thankful to have my mom here with me today,” she said.
Currently a sophomore at Spelman College, Zahara shared how her time at the historically Black women’s institution has shaped her commitment to helping others.
“Living a life in service of others is a privilege. While matriculating through Spelman College, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most inspiring young women. We focus on the importance of uplifting young women and recognizing their contributions to their community.”
She also spoke about joining the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in 2023, where she’s learned the true meaning of sisterhood and service.
“Being initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority incorporated in the fall of 2023, I gained line sisters that have only deepened my view of sisterhood and service, working to find solutions for other women is something we hold of great importance.”
Zahara then turned her focus to period poverty, a crisis that forces many young girls to miss school due to a lack of menstrual products. In the U.S., 1 in 4 teens and 1 in 3 adults can’t afford these essential items.
She shared, “Attending an all women’s institution, period poverty is a large conversation throughout the campus. Installed in our restrooms are period Products. It is a sign of understanding and respect that we should be supported and that our bodies are not barriers to our education. Sadly, this is not the case for millions of women and girls.”
She praised the Bennett twins for founding Women in Training Inc. and their WITKITS Campaign, which provides menstrual and hygiene supplies to underserved communities.
She continued, “Brooke and Brea knew this and took action. At the age of twelve, they came together, understood a global problem and took steps to change the lives of other young women.”