Kerry Washington may live the glamorous life of an actress, but there’s plenty of substance under all that glitz.
Last month, the actress attended the red carpet launch event for the Purple Purse Program to help raise awareness of domestic violence, and this month she’s continuing her work by explaining further about the importance of the cause.
In fact, Kerry has always been a proud advocate for women’s rights, but with her career truly taking off in the last few years, she’s been able to have more of an impact on the matter.
[ Related: Kerry Launches The Purple Purse Program In Style ]
She said:
“I actually fell into this work as an artist. Back in 2000, I had just finished filming Save the Last Dance, and my friend and costar Julia Stiles invited me to watch her in Eve Ensler‘s play The Vagina Monologues. I was so moved by all these stories of women’s identity, value and worth. After that I became part of the movement to end violence against women.”
Naturally, when approached by the Allstate Foundation and offered a chance to help in a more hands-on manner, she quickly agreed:
“I thought, ‘This is an issue I care about, and I also care about a good handbag, so I’m in!’ Purple is the signature color for domestic violence awareness, and a purse is where a woman’s financial well-being lives. This bag represents taking back your purse strings in the face of abuse.”
The topic of domestic violence has also been all over the news lately, especially with so many instances taking place in the lives of professional athletes, and it only furthered Kerry’s resolve to keep fighting for battered women. She said:
“I got goose bumps after reading the recent #WhyILeft and #WhyIStayed posts by battered women on Twitter. My heart breaks a little that there’s even a need for this work. But like the prayer that says, ‘Just use me.’ I’m happy to be doing my part.”
You can get a chance to win one of the three Purple Purses Kerry personally designed by donating at least $10 to any of the organizations in the Purple Purse Challenge.
Go HERE for more info or if you’d just like to donate! Nearly $2.5 million has already been raised!
[Image via WENN.]