Even though I've been busy on my book tour for Cancer Heroes, our latest anthology of stories about healing and transformation, my heart has been heavy. It lingers in the streets of Kolkata, my birthplace, feeling the pain and sorrow of a world that still needs urgent change.
It deeply saddens me—and fills me with shame—to share that a young female medical student in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered. This heartbreaking event is a brutal reminder of the challenges women still face in the 21st century, despite the progress we've made in women’s leadership.
It’s a sharp contrast: while some women are leading nations, others are fighting just to stay safe.
Whether it's Malala standing up for education, the global outcry in Iran after Mahsa Amini's death, or the Reclaim the Night movement in India today, women's lives and freedom are continually at risk. No matter how many protests or #MeToo campaigns we have, change often feels elusive.
This reality makes the achievements of women like Kamala Harris, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Jacinda Ardern all the more significant. These leaders are not just breaking barriers—they are redefining leadership with compassion and resilience, and their success highlights the need for more women in leadership roles to shape governance, legal systems, and societal norms.
Women in time to come will do much - Mary Ward
Kamala Harris: A Beacon of Hope
Kamala Harris’s rise to become the first female Vice President of the United States was a moment of immense hope. As the daughter of immigrants, Kamala broke down barriers of race and gender, proving that leadership is richer when it includes diverse voices. For many young women, especially women of color, her presence in the White House symbolizes that big dreams can come true and that no obstacle is insurmountable. Her journey signals that a more inclusive future is possible.
Claudia Sheinbaum: A Fresh Perspective for Mexico
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s new president, is another inspiring figure. With her background in science and environmental activism, Claudia brings a refreshing approach to leadership. She’s not just the first woman to lead Mexico—she’s a leader focused on fairness and environmental protection. Claudia’s journey has been challenging, but her determination and sense of purpose are transforming Mexican politics and setting new standards for leadership today.
Jacinda Ardern: Leading with Compassion During COVID-19
Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, deserves special mention for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ability to be both strong and empathetic saved lives and earned global respect. Jacinda demonstrated that being a firm leader doesn’t mean you can’t also be kind. Her approach shows us that compassionate leadership can navigate even the most difficult crises effectively.
The Stark Contrast and the Need for Cultural Change
While we celebrate these accomplishments, we can’t ignore the harsh reality that women around the world still face—like the young woman in Kolkata who was taken from us too soon. This tragedy shows the gap between our progress and the ongoing struggles for safety and respect. It’s a reminder that while some women lead countries, many others still fight for basic safety, and some perpetuate or tolerate abuse, allowing a culture of violence to continue.
This is why we need more than just women in leadership—we need a cultural shift. We need to build a society where every woman is treated with respect and dignity, where her voice matters, and where her safety is always a priority.
Creating a Better World: The Role of Learning and Growth
So, how do we create this better world? It starts with learning and growing both personally and socially. We need to cultivate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-regulation. These qualities are essential for building a world where violence against women is never tolerated.
The successes of Kamala Harris, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Jacinda Ardern are victories for all of us. They show what’s possible when we lead with care and work to break down barriers. But their achievements also highlight the work that remains.
We must commit to a future where every woman is safe, where her rights are protected, and where her contributions are valued. We need more education—not just for professional success, but for personal growth and understanding.
Transformative learning helps us live with integrity and authenticity, and it’s crucial for creating a respectful and honorable world.
As Gandhi said, “If you want to change the world, be that change.” It’s up to us to take responsibility and create a world where every woman is treated with the respect and honor she deserves.
Comentários