By Sean Froelich

“Poverty is Sexist,” according to the ONE campaign, a global advocacy group created to persuade world leaders how women in poverty need education for empowerment.

The social media campaign includes “#Strengthie,” a selfie-styled photo fashioned after the famous “Rosie the Riveter” pose. Dozens of Chicago supporters spread ONE awareness by sharing their  “strengthies” on social media Wednesday.

Representatives spoke at Roosevelt University here as well as in Boston, San Francisco and other major cities across the U.S. A music video produced by ONE called “Strong Girl” hit YouTube on Wednesday and stars big-name female artists in Africa.

Leaders from many fields spoke at the Chicago event, including Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, TV Host Regina Fraser and South Africa Consul Vuyiswa Tulelo .  Carol Moseley Braun, the first and only black female to serve in the U.S. senate, also attended.

Organizers in the campaign intend to gain the attention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at this summer’s G7 economic summit in Germany. Jill Morgenthaler, a retired U.S. Army colonel also spoke.

“We need to get out there and send the message, especially to the G7 to Chancellor Angela Merkel and say, ‘it is time to get women and girls back on the agenda. It is time for us to have a wealthier, smarter and safer world,” Morgenthaler said.

The “strengthies” and music video are also meant to spread awareness of a recent ONE report that lays out challenges and opportunities facing women globally.  The reports shows that women on average are paid 10 to 30 percent less than men, and 30,000 girls become child brides daily.

The ONE Campaign fights against global poverty and preventable diseases, especially in Africa. It was co-founded by U2 front-man Bono.