Have you ever had one of those days when you really felt awesome in your own skin? For me it happened recently, and had me basking in the upside of being a woman! Not because I looked fabulous in a newly acquired outfit …or because my hair or makeup was flawless…Not because I got complimented on a job well done or because my children made me proud… but because I had encounters which resulted in unabashed pride, having interacted with outstanding women in several aspects of my daily routine. It was cause or me to beam from ear to ear and absorb some of the aura that comes with the territory. This “sliding door” reminds me of one of my favorite Shaggy songs – Strength of a woman. Regrettably however, much of this “strength” remains untapped.
The facts are telling. Women represent 40% of the world’s workforce and holds only 27 % of global wealth. Furthermore, if we examine an area that affects each and every one of us – that of food security, the reality check will become uncomfortable and somewhat disconcerting. For example, it has been found that while 43% women work in agriculture, they are less likely to own land. Paradoxically, when they do own land, their crop yields are over 10% more than their male counterparts. The World Economic Forum a couple years ago pointed to the underutilized potential of women and revealed that … “Closing the gap between men and women would increase in agricultural productivity by 2.5 – 4.0% in developing countries – reducing the number of hungry people by 150 million, while increasing wealth throughout the chain”. A no brainer! At a time when countries across the globe have expressed commitment towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which aim at reducing poverty and malnutrition, it would be remiss of us not to strategize to optimize this resource.
It’s no wonder that I glowed with pride – interacting with awesome women…decision makers to be found from the field to the laboratory, through to the boardroom and …yes …in Parliament. Positioned in every sphere. Strong women, resilient women, committed women, making tremendous contributions, without fanfare and without even “flexing”! Yes, it is wonderful to live in the era where the Strength of a Woman is being acknowledged, promoted and leveraged!
Womangroundedinfaith 