The discrimination of women and girls goes to the core of any and all analyses of the world's economic, political, and environmental problems.
Interpretation
Discrimination against women and girls is at the root of many global issues.
Winnie Byanyima's quote emphasizes that the systemic discrimination faced by women and girls is foundational to understanding broader global challenges, including economics, politics, and environmental issues. Addressing gender discrimination is essential for creating sustainable solutions to these complex problems and advancing society as a whole.
In practice
During a keynote address on gender equality, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of addressing women's issues.
High corruption and the influence of big business and the wealthy elite keeps the poorest Nigerians trapped in poverty and cut off from the benefits of economic growth and basic services. Some people - searching for the means to survive - became vulnerable to groups like Boko Haram.
African countries lose billions every year because of tax dodging by big corporations and wealthy individuals. They lose billions more from overly generous tax incentives in a misguided belief that this is the only way to attract foreign investment.
The high price of medicines is crippling healthcare systems and denying people access to the treatments they so desperately need.
Instead of presiding over an economic system that panders to big business and a wealthy elite, a more human economy must be established which meets the needs of African women and young people.
Inequality, climate change, and conflict are evicting millions from their homes. But these perils are being met with 'anti-answers' such as nationalism, closed borders, lies, and hatred.
We don't want to tell young girls and boys that the odds are stacked against them from the start. Instead, we could tell them that with passion, conviction, and determination we can build a better future. This future is possible by redesigning our economy to truly reward hard work rather than wealth.
In an organization that is unwilling to change, find the opportunity to talk and interact with people - figure out why they don't want to change. It could be habits. It could be people's personal equities and reputations are defined by the role they're in or the process they've mastered.
We're never going to scare people into living more sustainably! We have to be able to demonstrate just how dynamic and aspirational such a world could be
Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.
Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.
To survive and succeed, every organization will have to turn itself into a change agent
The way we live our daily lives is what most effects the situation of the world. If we can change our daily lives, then we can change our governments and can change the world. Our president and governments are us. They reflect our lifestyle and our way of thinking. The way we hold a cup of tea, pick up the newspaper or even use toilet paper are directly related to peace.
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