STWR - Share The World's Resources

Globalization is not just an issue “out there”. It’s something that involves and impacts everyone.

We all have a role to play in bringing about world change – starting at home. People who are properly grounded in their communities and local agendas are much more effective in addressing global issues. We need to learn to lobby and stand up for issues within our own communities

Nobody is unimportant. A collection of leaders agreeing in principle on the issues is not enough to create change. Men and women, boys and girls, young and old alike need to recognize and act on problems facing the world, beginning with the inequalities and injustices we experience or consciously or unconsciously perpetuate.

Ethical globalization is about achieving equality, empowerment and social and economic justice for everyone. International human rights, social and environmental agreements must take precedence over trade agreements and policies. Governments must be accountable. Transnational corporations must contribute to poverty eradication, uphold human dignity and protect the environment. But so must we.

We all have the ability and the opportunity to influence change. Our common goals, values and humanity have tremendous power, but only to the degree that we are prepared to act on them where they first confront us. As the president of the YWCA this is clear to me. The power of the YWCA lies not in its 25 million members, but in the willingness of those members to be advocates locally.

There is no point critiquing strangers or people in distant places when we can’t address those closest to us – community leaders, co-workers, and even family members. We need to stop passing the blame and recognize our own responsibility.

Determined, coordinated and systematic action changes communities. In Africa many have successfully challenged their oppression and called for justice, including the women and children who challenged apartheid and won.

But it is important for us to remember that in speaking out it is not enough to criticize. We must act positively for change, not simply denounce the status quo. We must be passionate about making a difference.

Our goal is to create a world comprised of societies of integrity. Where people of different generations, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds participate equally and fully. Within nations there will be no political oppression, and between nations economic policies will be fair. The outcome will be peace, justice, human dignity, health and sustainability.

To achieve this the resources of the world must be used for the benefit of all. The oppressed must be empowered. We must act ourselves and we must influence those who can most model change, developing leadership in young people, teaching them to hold national and local authorities, themselves and others accountable at all levels. We must be convincing, courageous and risky. But we must start at home.

Dr Musimbi kanyoro

Dr Musimbi Kanyoro is the General Secretary of the World YWCA, a global movement of 25 million women and girls in 124 countries. Guided by her leadership, the World YWCA empowers women and girls to lead social and economic change around the world. Her passion is to promote the leadership of young women.

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