Sisterhood

A baby girl’s first words are a moment cherished forever. We cling to those harmonious sounds and hold on to the precious voice with fondness. As girls grow and reach transformative teenage years, those words once treasured are gradually repressed. Female communication that was previously met with delighted adoration is corrected and adjusted. Instead of celebrating every word, girls’ expressions are limited and suppressed with “act like a lady” and “stop, you’re being a drama queen.” During this time, many young women are entering their first relationships without the education and confidence to understand their voices and feelings matter. Few resources are available to help girls speak out and feel worthy, and a staggering 1 in 3 high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship.

Juliet Lighter-Kamm recognized this fundamental break in the developmental and educational process and was driven to fight for change. In 2007, Juliet created Women Speaking Out to empower girls and young women to find their voices through proactive programs on building self-esteem, increasing the awareness of dating violence, and teaching intervention techniques. WSO is an innovative 501 (c)(3) non-profit based on the idea of prevention, tackling the all-encompassing topic of self-love for young women at a crucial time. 

Being a survivor of dating violence, Juliet identifies the difficulties young women face with impactful authenticity and a spirited calling to philanthropy. She leads WSO by promoting the importance of a strong support system for ALL women. Juliet is living her purpose as leader of the sisterhood, advocating for those who are still finding their voices and guiding women to band together to speak openly, truthfully, and genuinely with love.

Women Speaking Out is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by inspiring and empowering young women to embrace self-love. Women actively coming together with the common goal to spread awareness and speak love is powerful to the point of magical. By lifting each other, we all rise. They don’t call it girl power for nothing. 

- Ashley Palmby
Guest Blogger

Ashley Palmby is the founder of the blog and podcast, The Sparkle Beat. She is passionate about helping others find “sparkle” by embracing their inner light through authentic engagement, reflection, and self-development. Ashley is inspired by the amazing impact WSO has on Hawaii’s youth- the best glow ups happen from within!