Power women!
Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Obama, and Kerry Washington cover Glamour magazine's May 2015 issue. The trio of movers and shakers — (Washington, 38, and Parker, 50, are involved with the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities) — appear in light-colored peach hued frocks with glowing beauty looks.
As gorgeous as the cover looks, it is the message within — to bring awareness and aid to military women and families — that truly shines. Early on during her tenure as First Lady, Obama heard so many tales of servicewomen who struggled with finding jobs and proper health care after serving. "During the first campaign one of my jobs as my husband's spouse was to travel around the country and really listen to women," the First Lady, 51, recalled. "We held small discussion groups, [and] there were voices that were new to me: the voices of military spouses, many of them women, and veterans."
Washington found that Obama's mission hit close to home as her father served in the military. "There is this idea that those who serve are untouchable heroes," the Scandal star said. "[But] the more we hear what people are going through, [we realize] it's what every woman is going through. The challenges are just put under a magnifying glass because their lives are so extraordinary."
Though Parker was aware of the issues military women faced, prior to collaborating with the First Lady, she didn't know quite how to help. "I feel intimidated by their service; I feel ashamed that I haven't served," the All Roads Lead to Rome star said. "So I almost feel like I'm patronizing by inquiring how to help. When you see a serviceman or woman… I always say, 'Thank you for your service.' But you know that's not enough… What do we do?”
Though Obama’s initiative with Parker and Washington is not directly outlined, the group of women plan to assist veterans and military families through various programs.
“One thing I want to clarify — that every service member, veteran, wants us to remember — is that the vast majority of people returning from service come back completely healthy,” Obama said. “When we do come across someone who is struggling, we have to develop a culture of open arms and acceptance so that they feel comfortable saying, 'I’m a veteran. And by the way, I need a little help.’”
