Ramaa Mosley, Famed for Worldwide Call for Help of Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls, to Highlight Importance of Local Challenges
IRVINE, Calif (April 22, 2016) – On Wednesday, April 27, Orange County United Way will hold its 13th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast featuring Keynote Speaker Ramaa Mosley.
A filmmaker and vocal advocate for girls’ and women’s rights around the world, Mosley directed the Afghan segment of the award-winning documentary, Girl Rising.
But it was Mosley’s 2014 effort launching a worldwide social campaign using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls to raise awareness of the plight of the 276 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists that truly placed Mosley’s work on behalf of women in the spotlight.
Mosley’s tireless work on this campaign aligns with that of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund. Established in 2004, the initiative has raised more than $4.5 million to support initiatives that address barriers for Orange County women and children
“We’re honored to welcome Ramaa Mosley and hear her powerful story,” announced Sue Parks, Board Chair of Orange County United Way and Founding Chair of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund. “Guests will be moved by her message about what one caring mother can accomplish after learning of horrific acts committed on hundreds of young girls a half a world away and what she decides to do about it.”
Mosley’s viral campaign became a worldwide social and traditional media sensation. But prior to launching this effort, Mosley admitted, she “didn’t even know what a hashtag was.”
“I quickly noticed that there was no social media presence, no petitions, no action cry,” said Mosley not long after she launched the social media campaign. “So pathetically I set out to create a Facebook page and Twitter account for the cause…. then I began retweeting and hashtagging one particular phrase #BringBackOurGirls,” a phrase previously created by a Nigerian attorney.
Within weeks, the #BringBackOurGirls Twitter hashtag Mosley posted in response to the kidnapping story was retweeted two million times. This included tweets by the Vatican, First Lady Michelle Obama and hundreds of other world leaders and celebrities. It also led to tangible action.
Just before Mother’s Day in 2014, for example, every female lawmaker in Congress signed letters to President Barack Obama urging him to push the U.N. Security Council to add Boko Haram to an al-Qaeda Sanctions List. The U.N. Security Council added the terrorist group to the list later that month.
Dozens of the school girls escaped within hours but 219 remain missing, two years after the abduction. Many credit Mosley’s one-woman campaign for generating massive worldwide awareness of the plight of women and children who end up as innocent victims of ruthless terrorist groups like Boko Haram.
“Across our country, women and children face serious issues related to health, poverty, lack of early child education and homelessness. In Orange County, United Way’s quest to address these issues is becoming a louder rallying cry. When women come together, it’s remarkable what can be accomplished,” added Parks. “Ramaa’s story is an important one to hear. Each of us can raise our voices to be champions for our local children and families.”
Those interested in hearing Ramaa Mosley’s story and about getting involved locally are encouraged to attend the 13th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast on Wednesday, April 27 at Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road in Irvine.
The event features a networking reception, opening remarks from Rochelle Karr and Monica Timpe, followed by Mosley’s keynote address. Individual seats are $200. For more information, please visit our website.
NEWS CONTACTS:
Katherine Ransom, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Orange County United Way 949.263.6176, [email protected]
Michael Suydam
21Strat 949.981.5008, [email protected]
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY:
Since 1924, Orange County United Way has been working to improve lives and strengthen our community by mobilizing the caring power of Orange County and focusing on the building blocks for a good quality of life: Education, Income, Health and Housing. By investing in Orange County children, families and individuals, we help them create pathways to self-sufficient lives. In short, we help people help themselves. Through our 10-year community-wide action plan, FACE 2024 (an acronym for Fund, Advocate, Collaborate, Educate), we collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, governmental agencies and individuals to make a long-term measurable difference in the lives of local individuals and families. To learn more or to join our movement, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
Ramaa Mosley
