Michelle Obama has advice for girl's battling self-doubt

Summary

Michelle Obama and Melinda Gates speak with Amal Clooney about battling self-doubt and encouraging young women. They emphasize defining yourself, following your talents and voice, persevering through setbacks, and fighting for justice. Despite backsliding women’s rights globally, they find inspiration in brave women speaking out, like Iranian girls protesting compulsory hijab laws. Their message calls on women to support each other in overcoming barriers.

Takeaways

• 😊 Michelle Obama wants young girls to know that even she struggles with self-doubt sometimes
• 👧 Melinda Gates would tell her 25-year-old self to reconnect with who she was in high school
• ✨ Michelle Obama advises girls to recognize their inherent value and power
• 👀 Amal Clooney draws inspiration from her family and children
• 🤝 Melinda Gates believes life gets even more beautiful with age
• 💪 Michelle Obama says to keep fueling your inner flame and don't let anyone extinguish it
• 🏫 Amal Clooney is gathering evidence of crimes against women and girls in Ukraine
• 🌍 One in three girls globally experiences gender-based violence
• ⚖️ Amal Clooney says we can't assume justice will happen on its own
• 👭 Amal Clooney is inspired by the brave women fighting for rights around the world

Q & A

What does Michelle Obama emphasize when meeting young girls?

She wants them to see her as the girl from the South Side of Chicago, not the former First Lady. She wants to break down the wall of impossibility and let them know that they are the same.

What does Michelle Obama say is the source of self-doubt in women and girls?

She says that self-doubt is intentionally instilled in women and girls from an early age by people with power who want them to stay small and doubtful. Our cultures reinforce it.

How does Michelle Obama recommend combating self-doubt?

She recommends focusing on your education when you have the opportunity, doing the work in front of you, and taking small steps over time to build a different story for yourself. She says no one can do it for you.

What would Melinda Gates tell her 25 year old self?

She would say that life is even more beautiful ahead than she realizes. She would also say to be the girl she was in high school, because that's when she grew into the full woman she could be.

What advice does Amal Clooney have for combatting self-doubt?

She gets strength from the people she loves - her family, friends, and children. She thinks about the example she wants to set for her kids in a few years when they ask what she did about issues in the world.

What does Emma Watson say is the worst kind of failure?

She defines the worst failure as not trying - not following your dreams or even admitting what they are. Going for things and falling down is fine, because it makes you stronger.

Where does Amal Clooney see the bravest people in the world?

In her human rights work, she sees the bravest people as women and girls who have suffered horrific crimes yet continue fighting back and fighting for justice, even under threat of violence.

How can the courage of women protesters inspire us?

Amal Clooney says that if girls in places like Iran can risk everything for basic freedoms, then we can all do more from where we're sitting. Their courage puts things in perspective.

How early does Michelle Obama say negative messages about women and girls start?

She says that people with power try to make women and girls doubt themselves starting at a very early age, and those feelings are reinforced throughout our entire lives.

What gives Amal Clooney strength when self-doubt attacks?

She gets strength from the people she loves - her family, friends, and children who look to her for guidance. She also thinks about the need to set a good example.