Raising Strong Girls in 2026: Gloria Steinem & Leymah Gbowee on Courage, Racism & Sisterhood
The Color Between The Lines with Esther Dillard
We are living in a moment of visible racism, rising authoritarianism, and uncertainty for many families.
In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, Esther Dillard sits down with feminist leader Gloria Steinem and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee to discuss why they wrote the childrens book Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together for All.
But this conversation goes far beyond a book.
They talk about:
How to raise strong girls in politically uncertain times
What courage really means for young girls
How women can build togetherhood in divided spaces
Why legacy is not built on trends
How to speak honestly to children about racism and fear
What this decade demands from women and parents
Gloria Steinem has been one of the most recognized feminist organizers in modern American history and co-founder of the Womens Media Center.
Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner who helped lead the womens movement that ended Liberias civil war.
If you are raising, mentoring, or advocating for girls in this moment this conversation is for you.
Subscribe to The Color Between the Lines for more conversations at the intersection of history, justice, leadership, and storytelling.
00:00 Living in a Moment of Racism & Fear
00:16 Why Speak to Girls Now?
01:14 Why Write the Book Together?
02:13 In 2026 We Wanted to Show Something Different
03:12 A Human Book, Not Just a Childrens Book
03:35 Courage: No One Is Born Great
04:15 Legacy Is Never Built on Trends
04:52 Gloria Steinems Mother & Early Influence
05:42 Women Working Together Change History
06:19 First Impressions & Mutual Respect
07:41 Traveling to North Korea & Leadership
08:22 Raising Girls During Visible Racism
09:03 A Gentle Message in a Screaming World
09:39 Togetherhood Will Never Fail
10:16 Why You Will Always Need Someone to Hold Your Hand
10:32 Learning from Women in India
11:28 Final Thoughts & Book Information