Jessica Buchleitner and 50 Women

I met Jessica Buchleitner at an event in San Francisco, hosted by A Band of Wives, and instantly fell in love with her. At twenty five years old, she has the energy to change the world. Unlike many at that age, though, she is actually doing her part to make that positive change.

Jessica is working on a book called The 50 Woman Project, which will tell the story of fifty women from all around the world. Through this book, she hopes to not only bring about compassion for women in countries that openly devalue women, but also show the similarities in all of us, no matter where we're from or how we grew up.

Her 50 Women Project Blog tells some of these stories - you can read about Neema, who has survived Congolese genocide, about Va, from the Hmong ethnic group, found in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Burma, and about the friend who introduced us, Leila Radan, a writer, actress, and model in San Francisco (and a YoLadies Featured Woman) who is a strong voice against the regime in Iran. You can also read about Jessica's adventure in writing this book and, along with Bineta Maaram Diop, starting the 50 Woman Foundation - aiding the needy as they can.

I told Jessica, the night we met, that I had to feature her story on YoLadies, and she graciously accepted the offer to get the word out about her great work. Read what she has to say about it:

K: What was your initial inspiration to start the 50 Women Project?
Jessica: For quite a few years, I knew that I wanted to change the world. I just didn't see the point of existing if my existence was not doing something that elevates humanity. I was searching for something that I could do, I did some volunteer work concerning different causes just to explore some options and help out.
In 2008, after I moved to California, I started watching a lot of documentaries centered on women in the developing world. I also heard stories from some of the refugee women that I met doing volunteer work. I heard about things like the acid attacks on Girls schools in Afghanistan and I was sickened to imagine something as horrific as this happening to girls 12 years old and younger.
I started to become frustrated by what some women were forced to endure: beatings, rape etc... and were still treated awfully. I couldn't imagine what it was like to live like this. Worst of all- there appeared to be NOTHING that I could do to stop it.
I remembered all of my female friends who were at my University from all over the world- different countries, different beliefs/faiths, and different cultures. I remembered how we would all sit down and have meals and parties together, and laugh and joke with one another. Ethnicity, religion, politics and the other fundamentals did not matter to us. WE respected each other, cared for each other and looking back- that sense of global solidarity was so powerful. We were the new generation. To this day we are scattered all over the world, but we still communicate and care for each other at times of need. Even my partner in NY, NY on this project is one of these women.
When comparing these two scenarios- something inside me just broke. I realized the time is NOW to try to change the world. I realized every passing minute was another chance for me to do something meaningful. (Who cared that I was just above broke and 24 years old) That's when I got the idea for 50 Women. It stemmed from that sense of solidarity I got from the young women at the University. I wanted all women to feel that- to identify with one another and to be inspired by one another's stories of strength- differences respectfully aside. I wanted women to be able to understand and support one another. I feel that sharing experiences is one of the best ways people relate to one another. This ideology is what 50 Women is built from.

K: How many women's stories have you written, so far?
Jessica: There are over 30 women so far. The book portion is in the "third stage" of its development. I started the project in July 2009 and almost one year later- I cannot believe how far it has come and all it encompasses.

I have become very close with some of these women and their family members. They have told me very personal things and I have helped some of them with very personal situations. I do not feel this is just some "journalistic" work or research. This is a matter of the heart. I do care deeply about the women who are part of this and any of the causes they may represent.

K: Is there one story in particular that has touched you more than others?
Jessica: Each of the stories I have heard are very vastly different. I feel that they have touched different emotions or shaken different beliefs in different ways. It would be hard for me to single any one particular story out because in my mind- they are all ONE. Like a beautiful and intricate puzzle- each piece makes the overall picture.

K: How has this project changed your outlook on life?
Jessica: WOW. This has been a very spiritual journey. It has challenged every facet of my being. My beliefs, my ways of life, my outlook on life. I have been growing since the beginning of this. I keep an open heart and open mind and very strong faith. Let me tell you, without faith- you have nothing. Faith is everything. I do not know where this project will go. I do not know where I may be expected to travel in the future or what situations I will be faced with. I have no way of knowing this- but my belief in this project is what keeps me going.
50 Women has irreversibly shaken my perception of things. My frames of reference are forever changed and I do not believe will ever be the same.

K: Your project works as a foundation, as well. What other projects do you hope to take part in, in the future?
Jessica: The sky is the limit- LITERALLY. I am keeping a very open mind and heart about where the future is headed.

The reason I am making this into a foundation, is that I promised the women that their stories would help change the world and benefit humanity. That was the promise going into this project and I will never stray from that. It's a "live and let live" mentality. The proceeds are for charity because the idea is to use the book to help keep the cycle of good alive. I hope the proceeds can help with projects and programs aimed at helping women internationally. Ideally- I hope one day it can help build schools for girls, or promote other educational and social programs for women in less fortunate environments.

K: What is the most important thing that you've learned, in meeting all of these women and hearing their stories?
Jessica: I have learned quite a few things! This has forced me to reexamine myself. It has forced me to become a better person. A more patient and less nervous person, that is. It has taught me to have a lot of faith in myself and God (God can have very different definitions and I respect that).
It is an ongoing learning process and this is why I call it a "journey". Each step of the way- there is learning, reexamining, adjustments to make etc.... But I am happy it's this way. If I was just writing about this and was not affected so strongly by it- what would be the point?