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 children’s 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 Women’s Media Center.

Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner who helped lead the women’s movement that ended Liberia’s 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.

⏱ CHAPTER MARKERS

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 Children’s Book
03:35 – Courage: No One Is Born Great
04:15 – Legacy Is Never Built on Trends
04:52 – Gloria Steinem’s 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