Looking back at 2017, Vogue considers it a year in which fashion made profound statements. They’re not talking about superficial styling choices, but clothing that’s worn to say something even when you’re not. From the knitted pink hats worn throughout the U.S. during the Women’s March to quinceañera dresses Mexican-American women donned at the Texas Capitol in dissent of the discriminatory Senate Bill 4, women took a stand in 2017, making some powerful protest fashion statements. Even when you’re not protesting for what you believe in, you make daily choices in how to portray who you are. What do you want to stand for today?
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: As Many as 2.5 Million
It’s 2018, and women throughout the world are using protests to collectively voice their opinions. No matter the country, women aren’t afraid to take a stand, from Iran, where women removed their headscarves in public places in protest of the veil law, to Ireland, where women protested against the country’s eighth amendment, which bans abortion. And 2017’s Women’s March on Washington engendered millions of people the world over to voice their support of women’s rights. According to researchers who have tracked the size of protest movements since last year’s march, as many as 2.5 million people throughout the U.S. participated in this year’s Women’s March demonstrations in January.
WOMAN TO WATCH: Rebecca Lee Funk, Founder and CEO of The Outrage
Today is International Women’s Day, a holiday that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. And while we’ve made great strides, especially in recent years, there’s still plenty of work to be done to ensure all women are afforded basic rights. That’s why I’m so excited to share the story of today’s Woman to Watch, Rebecca Lee Funk, the founder of The Outrage, a super-cool apparel company for lovers of equality.
With styles and designs to fit every aesthetic, The Outrage is on a mission to raise $1 million for organizations that fight inequality, including Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, She Should Run, Black Lives Matter and more. And considering The Outrage makes a donation to one such group with every consumer purchase made, Rebecca’s biz is well on its way to realizing that goal.
This fashion entrepreneur began her career in research, working for an array of organizations, including the International Food Policy Research Institute and the United Nations. Later, with a penchant for understanding the intricacies of consumerism, Rebecca worked on the commerce side of such organizations as the National Geographic Society and LivingSocial.
But it’s Rebecca’s latest venture, The Outrage, that combines all her powers for the good of women in a really fantastic way. Some of my favorite products from The Outrage include a hoodie that’s a nod to the former first lady called “What Would Michelle Do?” that’s emblazoned with her famous phrase, “When they go low, we go high,” and the “She Should Run” T-shirt. There are also some really cool accessories, like the button that exclaims, “Respect My Existence or Expect My Resistance,” and a Boss Babes coloring and activity book.
Rebecca came up with the idea for The Outrage as a celebration of the United States’ first female president. Well—spoiler alert—sadly, that didn’t happen. But the result of that election upset is that women are speaking out louder than ever and using a variety of outlets, including fashion, to make our voices heard. Thanks, Rebecca, for helping ensure the future is feminist!
QUITE THE QUOTE
We’ll finish up today’s inspiring On The Dot with a weighty quote from the beloved outgoing president of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards, who said:
“The good news is when we are in full-on sisterhood, women are the most powerful political and cultural force in America.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.