The recent Global Girl Project alumni event on women leaders from around the world provided a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the concepts of leadership and women’s empowerment. The event, held on 30 August, covered various topics surrounding female leadership, the challenges women face, and the importance of social change. As one of the participants, I was able to learn a great deal from the session and reflect on the true essence of leadership for women.
Life in Countries with Limited Opportunities: Challenges and Limitations
Life in the Global Majority is particularly challenging for women. In these countries, women face many barriers ranging from social and cultural restrictions to economic and educational obstacles. Often, the position of women in society is not only traditionally limited but they are also excluded from many opportunities simply because of their gender.
One of the biggest challenges women face in these contexts is limited access to education and job opportunities. In many areas, girls and women are denied the right to education, preventing them from attaining leadership positions. Additionally, women often encounter social and cultural discrimination that stops them from participating in social and economic decision-making.
Leadership for Women Beyond Titles
During the event, as I listened to the stories of women leaders from various countries, I realised that leadership is not just about titles and positions. For many women, leadership is about the ability to impact their communities, even if they live in difficult environments. These women face enormous challenges, but they continue to persevere and strive for change.
For women like us, living in countries with social and cultural limitations, leadership means standing strong against harsh conditions and working towards making small but meaningful changes in our surroundings. Leadership for women can be a long and difficult process, but these women have proven that nothing can stop their growth and progress.
Important Lessons from Women’s Leadership
One of the most important lessons I learned from this event is that leadership is not only about having power or resources; it is about courage and decision-making in difficult times. The women leaders who attended this event were all examples of courage, resilience, and sacrifice. They showed that, despite the challenges they face, they remain committed to their leadership journey.
Even when social and economic conditions are difficult, women can still make an impact by building supportive networks, collaborating with one another, and connecting with global communities. They can not only create change in their own lives but also inspire and motivate other women and girls.
Conclusion: Women’s Leadership as a Beacon of Change
This experience was not only an opportunity to learn from others' experiences but also a reminder that leadership is not just a responsibility—it is an opportunity to create change and have an impact on the lives of others. In a world where many women in the Global Majority are deprived of equal opportunities due to social, economic, and cultural limitations, leadership can be a powerful tool for change.
I hope that in the future we will see more growth and progress for women worldwide, who, with courage and determination, continue their journey and show the world that leadership is not limited by place or time.
Leadership lives in the heart of every woman who strives to make a difference.
With best wishes,
GGP Alumna