Women are not the problem but the solution

The Annual Simmons Leadership Conference in Boston last week was a first for me as I participated via live stream.  This is the 31st top notch conference which sets the standard for women's professional events.   It was inspiring to hear about the history and growth of the organization, and of course to hear the speakers.  The Keynote speaker was Sheryl WuDunn whose recent book 'Half the Sky' is a must read!  She deals with topics that need exposure in order to drive awareness and action.  Her key messages are consistent - educating girls is the best way to end poverty and gender inequality needs to be addressed– both key challenges for our century.


Educating women in countries struggling with poverty is beneficial not just to the young women but to the community.  She shared a story of Saima, a woman trying to make ends meet for her 2 daughters against the odds.  She had an unemployed husband who beat her regularly and a mother–in-law who encouraged her son to take a second wife to ensure he had a son – considered more valuable than a daughter as sons ensure the family income!  Saima joined a woman’s solidarity group who were linked to a Pakistani microfinance organization.  She borrowed 65$ to purchase material so she could create embroidery to sell at the local market.  Her work started to sell and she plowed the profits back into the business.  As demand increased, she started to employ neighbors and even her husband - so the entire community benefited.  This has changed her status in the family as she now ensures a steady income and manages the family finances. A key priority for her is ensuring the education of her 3 daughters so they  can be independent  - earn their own money - marry later- have less children and  so have an impact on an exploding populations. 

Gender inequity is also a big challenge.  There are more males than females in the world – somewhere between 60 and100 mio 'missing' females worldwide. In a situation with food scarcity, food goes to the males within a family as does the opportunity for education - discrimination within the family.  So what will happen to those young men who don’t find a partner and stability?