Celebrating Women's Equality Day

LtN strives to promote equality in all aspects of our programming and decision-making. We recognize that different peoples, communities, and governments often receive privileges that others do not. Today we would like to take some time to recognize and celebrate Women’s Equality Day.

Brooke Wilson, our Communications & Development Director, plays lacrosse with a young female LtN student-athlete in Managua, Nicaragua

In U.S. history, the right to vote has always been one of the primary methods through which the people’s voice was heard. It wasn’t until August 26, 1920, that women’s right to vote was ratified after years of women fighting to speak on their own behalf. There was, and continues to be, an extended adjustment period in politics and greater society as women immerse themselves into what was long considered a “man’s world.” Moreover, there are countless communities around the globe wherein women’s rights are still far, far behind those of U.S. women.

LtN Nicaragua coach, Darien Silva, observing practice with LtN student-athlete Nathaniel

Every year, Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the United States to serve as a reminder of the national strides towards gender equality that have been made. We at LtN use this day also as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done both domestically in the United States and abroad in our Latin American communities. Women around the world put in hard work and dedicated time to shape their lives into a product of their own imaginations, but not everywhere can their efforts translate into changed realities. 

Shauna Pugliese, former LtN Panama volunteer, sharing some lacrosse insight at practice on Isla Bastimentos

LtN is proud to help young girls and women realize their full potential and to celebrate their strength. Through our all-girls programming lead by Coach and LtN Alum, Darien Silva, along with our scholarships and tutoring programs, we aim to provide safe and reliable spaces for girls to exercise, compete, learn about themselves, and observe strong role models.

We celebrate Women’s Equality Day and remind ourselves - and our audiences - that there is always more work to be done to level the playing field. We are grateful for all of the mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, cousins, and more that are role models for young girls and boys alike.

—Joanna, LtN Summer VISTA

Powerful Lessons from Unexpected Teachers

Carla (8), Bocas del Toro player.

While there are many lessons that coaches can teach their players, some of the best lessons we learn come from our teammates. Whether it be about having more effective communication or how to dodge better, these moments of mutual learning from our peers are special. At LtN programs in Bocas del Toro, Panama, these moments occur weekly! I would like to share one interaction between two of our players - Carla and Silas - that struck me as particularly heartwarming and supportive. 

About a month ago, our players and I were scrimmaging for the last part of practice. The teams were split boys vs. girls. After about 10 minutes of gametime, the boys were up by 3 goals. As we were resetting for a new face-off, I noticed that eight-year-old Carla had dropped her stick and looked on the verge of angry tears. 

When I asked her what was wrong, she managed to tell me through stifled tears, “Maria, we aren’t going to win. Boys are so much stronger and better than girls!” Instantly, my demeanor changed - I went from sympathetic to serious in a flash. We locked eyes and I informed her, “Carla, girls are just as good as boys. Please never think - even for a second - that you are not as strong or not as good as they are. That is simply not true.” Before she could respond to respond, Silas came over to where we were standing.

Silas (10), Bocas del Toro player.

He held up his arm and flexed his muscle and said to her, “Carlita, feel my arm. Am I strong? Do I have any muscles? Nope! Now, feel Maria’s arm.” I made a muscle with my arm and let her gently squeeze it. Her face relaxed a little.

Silas continued, “Look how strong Maria is. She is so much stronger than I am, and she is a girl. See, boys are not stronger than girls. Girls can be even more strong!” As Carla sniffled away her tears, took a breath and nodded her head, I was shocked into awed silence.

No one had told Silas to do that - he chose to help his teammate with a very important life lesson all on his own. And it worked, for Carla picked up her stick and resumed playing. This time, she wore a smile on her face.

This exchange between Silas and Carla exemplifies the incredible power of mutual learning, the value of teammates who care for one another, and the opportunities for life lessons that our programs provide youth in the communities in which we work. Though this one happened to underscore the importance of gender equality - an element that is often lacking in Bocas culture - it is just one example of the many ways our players learn and grow together. Since then, I am very pleased to report that Carla’s confidence has soared and not once has she doubted her capabilities because of her gender.

Thank you Silas for being an awesome teammate!

— Maria, Panama Program Director