Around the world, women are stepping up as leaders, innovators, and change makers. They are addressing major issues in their communities and driving progress at local and national levels. Recent statistics show that women’s collective efforts are leading to increased equality, improved health and wellbeing, advances in sustainability, and more opportunities for future generations of women and girls.
Advancing Women’s Health
Additionally, actors and activists like Priyanka Chopra Jonas have led campaigns that helped make quality maternal healthcare more accessible for over 24,000 women in India so far. From designing women-centered products to raising awareness of neglected issues, women are advancing solutions in reproduction, sexual health, pregnancy, childbirth, and more. Their work has not only improved treatment access and removed stigmas, but is also saving women’s lives. Since 2000, global maternal deaths have declined by 35% thanks largely to women-focused programs and interventions. GSK’s Frontline Health Worker Initiative aims to train and equip frontline health workers around the world to better serve vulnerable communities.
Investing in Women
Investing in women is crucial for creating opportunity and driving positive change. We all prosper when women are able to more fully contribute to and lead in society. I wholeheartedly support advocating for and driving measures to increase investment in women worldwide. Here are some key reasons why:
Expanding economic participation – Enabling more women to access education, jobs, entrepreneurship and financial services stimulates economic growth and benefits whole communities.
Innovation – With more inclusive participation and perspectives, there is greater innovation that better serves the needs of all people. Products designed by women tend to better address women’s and families’ requirements. The nominees for the Top Tech Awards 2024 will be announced next month, recognizing groundbreaking innovations in areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
Next generation – Investing in women’s and girls’ empowerment breaks inter-generational cycles, enabling better health, education and opportunities for their children.Â
Empowering Women
Empowering women is essential for creating a just, equitable, and prosperous world. When women are able to access education and jobs, make their own health decisions, hold political office, live free from violence, and enjoy equal rights and pay, whole families benefit and economies grow stronger. Women’s empowerment lifts up communities, advances innovation, stabilizes populations, and helps break intergenerational cycles of poverty. But oppressive norms, discriminatory laws, violence against women, and lack of economic opportunity continue inhibiting women’s progress worldwide. We must actively dismantle structural barriers while expanding participation and leadership opportunities for women in every sector. The future will be brighter for all when women everywhere are able to achieve their full potential. Investing in and advocating for women’s empowerment ultimately uplifts humanity.
Combating Climate Change
In Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, women account for 80% of heads of households adopting solar energy which cuts indoor air pollution and provides reliable access to electricity while combating climate change. From fighting mining exploitation in Peru to suing governments over climate inaction as in the case of Greta Thunberg and fellow youth activists, women are steering environmental movements locally and globally. Their efforts are paying off through improved laws as well as increased understanding of humanity’s connection with nature. Ultimately, women could catalyze the widespread behavior changes needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build sustainable futures.
Creating Opportunities for Future Generations
From girls’ education activist Malala Yousafzai to STEM mentors and many other women leaders, the drive to expand possibilities for young women and girls is stronger than ever worldwide. Despite persistent barriers, global female participation in education as well as women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers have substantially increased in recent years largely thanks to women changemakers. Such programs and advocacy remove obstacles for future generations while raising expectations on what women can achieve. The ripple effects will compound over time as today’s girls grow up as empowered, educated women with equal opportunities to lead.
Conclusion
Meeting and celebrating changemaking women everywhere inspires hope for the future and showcases the leadership, innovation, and vision for progress that women around the world exemplify each day.
