United We Stand.
Here’s the thing. Women are just over 50% of the world’s population. If we want something, anything, the numbers are on our side. We are a huge group when we come together, and this is a time for women to come together.
We are facing some incredibly complex challenges in our world – climate crisis, persistent racism and white supremacy, unrealized reconciliation with indigenous peoples, gender inequality, attacks on reproductive rights and LGBTQ2SIA+ rights, and the continued lack of representation in our highest leadership roles in pretty much every institution in our society. I don’t know about you, but I think the time for a sea change in leadership is long past due. We’ve given white men the reins and the keys for generations. I think we need to take 50% of it back.
Divisiveness is a tool of oppression.
Keeping marginalized and excluded groups focused on fighting one another for a seat at the table, or worse, fighting within our groups, keeps the status quo alive and well and keeps the rest of us really damn tired. The thing is, we do have a lot in common, many of us believe in and are working for equality for all, although we certainly don’t do it perfectly. There are places where we can agree and unite and gain traction for change.
We are starting to see this happening with women’s organizations. In Canada for example we have the Equal Futures Network which connects national, regional, community and grassroots organizations, agencies, civil society and projects from across Canada that are committed to advancing gender equality and to ensuring equal futures for all. UN Women is the UN organization delivering programmes, policies and standards that uphold women’s human rights and ensure that every woman and girl lives up to her full potential.
Here are the questions I’m asking myself these days:
How can I join together with other women and groups to strengthen our voices?
What organizations can I support, and how?
How can I stay informed about events happening here and around the world?
We had a great WLI community conversation the other day about reproductive justice, and we talked about these things. We want to take action. And now is the perfect time to take everything we’re feeling about the state of the world and channel it into action.
It's a movement.
During the very first year of The Women’s Leadership Intensive, one of our participants referred to the work we do as more than a women’s leadership development program, it’s a movement. A movement to inspire, empower, support and equip women to lead the change the world needs. Yes, we may be small, but if all of us small but mighty groups who care deeply about equal rights and opportunities for all, who care deeply about the future of our world for generations to come, if all of us join our voices and our activism together, we would be frankly unstoppable.
That’s what I’m ready for - the women’s revolution. It’s time to go there in an inclusive way, where it’s not about equal rights for some, it’s about equal rights for all. It’s women’s time to lead. Of that I am certain.
Ready to get to work? Join Us
In unity,
Belinda Clemmensen, B.Sc., M.Ed., PCC
Founder, The Women's Leadership Intensive | Co-Founder, Leader Coach Intensive www.womensleadershipintensive.ca | @womens.leadership.intensive
P.S. Here are some women’s organizations working for equality and justice that you can follow and join. If you have others, please comment them below!
On Canada Project | LiisBeth Media | Equal Futures Network | Canadian Women's Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) | UN Women