Zahara Jolie-Pitt’s Fight Against Period Poverty—And How Angelina Jolie Stood by Her Side

Angelina Jolie is once again showing her unwavering support for her daughter, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, as the 20-year-old took center stage to raise awareness about period poverty at the Fourth Annual Women in Training (WIT) Mother-Daughter Brunch in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday, March 1. Zahara, who has been a passionate advocate for women’s rights, delivered a powerful speech on the pressing issue of period poverty, an area in which she is committed to making a difference.

Period poverty, as defined by the National Institutes of Health, refers to the insufficient access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities for women and girls. Zahara, who joined the Spelman College chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority in November 2023, has long been a proponent of empowering young women, and her keynote address at the event was an opportunity to bring attention to this critical issue.

In a statement ahead of the brunch, WIT President and CEO Adeyela Bennett expressed the organization’s honor in having Zahara speak about her passion to end period poverty, which aligns with WIT’s mission. “We are also excited that her mother, the internationally renowned movie star Angelina Jolie, will join us to support her daughter and to support our goal of ensuring that every girl and young woman has the products she needs to live her life to the fullest extent,” Bennett said, as reported by WAKA 8 Action News.

Angelina’s presence at the event was a testament to her dedication to supporting Zahara’s advocacy efforts. The actress, who adopted Zahara from Ethiopia in 2005, was present at the brunch to show her pride in her daughter’s leadership and compassion. Jolie, a mother of six, has always been vocal about the importance of raising her children to be empathetic and engaged in causes that make a difference in the world.

In addition to her commitment to period poverty, Jolie has been active in other humanitarian efforts. Just a month prior to attending the Mother-Daughter Brunch, Angelina and her children came together to help families affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles. A source close to the actress shared with People that the Jolie-Pitt children have been volunteering around the state, asking for supplies, and contributing in ways that are meaningful to the local communities.

Jolie’s approach to humanitarian work is humble and purposeful. “She knows what’s important is to bring supplies and donate and fall in line. She isn’t posting or announcing efforts. Just trying to listen and learn,” the insider added. This quiet dedication to others underscores the actress’s belief in giving back without seeking recognition.

Throughout her career and philanthropic efforts, Angelina has emphasized the importance of understanding different cultures and perspectives. Reflecting on her daughter’s heritage, Jolie shared during a 2020 TIME 100 Talk, “My daughter is from Ethiopia, one of my children… And I have learned so much from her. She is my family, but she is an extraordinary African woman and her connection to her country, her continent, is her own and it’s something I only stand back in awe of.”

The mother-daughter duo continues to inspire others not just through their humanitarian work, but also by using their platform to advocate for causes that matter. Zahara’s powerful speech on period poverty was a poignant reminder of the critical need for action, and with her mother by her side, it’s clear that the Jolie-Pitt family will continue to lead with empathy and commitment to creating positive change in the world.