World Women's Day Interview with Jana

Hello Jana, could you briefly tell us who you are and what motivated you to share your story?

Aloha, I'm Jana, 37 from Cologne, and I'm allowed to talk about my charity work today.

What aspects of your life and personality define you the most?

My positive attitude to life. I always try to see things from a positive side. Life is so short, so you should enjoy it. This also includes making your loved ones or those around you happy.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in today's society?

Women today already enjoy an improved status compared to before. A lot has already happened and many women before us have already fought for us. However, there is still a lot to do. You can't be loud enough and you should keep doing it all.

How do you think women can inspire and support each other?

I think this is super easy. Because every woman you meet you can learn something from. And I find it very interesting to find out what that is. You can also talk about strengths and support dreams with your loved ones. I also think it would be nice if people celebrated not only milestones like a wedding or birth, but also starting a business or breaking up a bad relationship.

What inspired you to volunteer?

My volunteer work started in 2006 while I was studying. I was short on money, but I wanted to give something back in a different way where I didn't necessarily need a financial investment, but could make a difference with my work, time and creativity. That was 18 years ago and since then it has steadily grown and become more beautiful and fulfilling.

How has your volunteer work influenced your own perspective on women's rights and children's rights?

It has changed in that the topic of normality is particularly important. Women or children in difficult situations long for normality. That's why it's important to support this normality through charity work. In addition, you should always keep your eyes and ears open. So that you pay attention to women and children around you and it's better to say too much than too little.

Can you tell us about a specific experience or encounter with a child or a woman that made your involvement particularly meaningful?

There is no single experience. What counts for me is the thought of doing something good in general. The knowledge that you are doing something to improve the situation.

What can you tell us about PURELEI's fundraising campaign on the occasion of World Women's Day?

We have come up with a very special fundraising campaign for International Women's Day: We will donate all of the proceeds from the EmpowHER necklace to a Hawaiian organization that campaigns against domestic violence. We are very happy that the donation goes directly to Hawaii and can make a difference there.

Is there any advice you can give other women who want to get involved in social issues but may be hesitant?

If you want to get involved socially, then you shouldn't be afraid to start. Even if you don't have the financial resources or the big idea, you can start with time or creativity. You shouldn't let it stop you if you only have a small influence, because it adds up and you can achieve something. So: just start and do it.

What changes or advances in society would you like to see in order to improve the situation of women and children in difficult life situations?

I would like people to take care of each other. Pay attention to your surroundings. Otherwise, you become aware of how well you are doing and think about what can I give away. In today's society, we as women should share more, support and celebrate each other's strengths - that would lead to greater connection.

What does World Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women's Day is a day that we need to raise awareness, but it is not enough. It's important to be loud every day. Nevertheless, it is of course a very important day that we should take advantage of.