World Vision: Kendall, why are you drawn to make a difference in the global water crisis?
Kendall Dye: Never in a million years did I think water or Africa would have anything to do with my life. But everything begins with water. Without water, poverty really can’t be changed.
WV: What have you discovered firsthand about women and girls in poverty?
KD: The people of Zambia, in my experience, were born into it. They can’t help their situation and they’re willing to fight and claw out of it. Not with a handout, but with a little bit of help.
WV: What stands out to you about the people you’ve met in Zambia?
KD: They’re not victims. The people we meet in the villages, they love like no one’s ever loved. Their faith is as strong as anyone I’ve ever met. And their joy — you just can’t find that in this first world that we live in. It’s just so contagious to be around and you don’t want to leave them.
WV: What will it take to end the global water crisis?
KD: It takes a village, right? It just starts with one, and then goes to two, and then soon a whole area program is completed. It’s the mindset of “every last one.” Yes, it can seem overwhelming, but you have to start somewhere, with one.
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World Vision: Beth ... the character trait of resilience — how does someone in need begin to develop it?
Beth Weibling: It’s complex. Faith is probably the first piece of it. Then having tools. The area my husband and I have gotten more intensely involved with is economic empowerment. People in extreme poverty are given the support system they need and the ability to progress in their learning, to have the fortitude to handle obstacles. It’s all very complex, but it’s working.
WV: Why is economic empowerment critical?
BW: It’s important because lives are changing. Mindsets are changing. Entire cultures are changing. We want to see people pulled out of poverty, not just helped in the moment. Let’s help people out to the point that they can lift themselves out of poverty.
WV: A lot of people believe this is futile work. What would you say in response?
BW: I’d say it’s working! We’re seeing it done. We have the statistics. We have the metrics, we have the measurements. The women are leading the charge. They’re realizing they’re created for something. If we band together, this world is going to be a different place.
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World Vision: What really matters to you, Breegan?
Breegan Jane: Women’s equality and making sure that women have opportunities. I would like to see women’s abilities stop being underestimated. Women are capable, competent, powerful beings, and I believe it’s time for that to be respected and understood.
WV: What do you regard as the lowest depth of suffering?
BJ: Surviving something as traumatic as death without actually dying. That can involve physical or psychological trauma. Cancer. Suicidal thoughts. Physical harm to your body. These are some examples of the worst things any human can endure, especially when at the hands of another human being. When you experience trials and hardships like these, you either wither away or step into the power that helps you get through it.
WV: How does this affect your choice to advocate against female genital mutilation (FGM)?
BJ: There is an undeniable strength and resilience that forms as a result of enduring the emotional and physical pain from this harmful practice. If you want to make someone feel “less than,” cut the very thing that is literally a defining piece of what and who they are. When you meet women [who were] cut, and they were sold by their brothers, you can see and feel the determination in their eyes. You can also see the unbelievable kindness that still remains in their smiles.
WV: Why are you concerned about empowering women and girls?
BJ: One of the things that’s misunderstood about empowering women is that it doesn’t mean disempowering men. If men are doing their job 100%, we need to bring our 100% to the table as well. I believe we’re all better off when our male leaders are just as strong as our female leaders. You can’t run a successful and healthy society with only half of its members, after all.