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.
Farewell, my old fan. / Having scribbled on it, / What could I do but tear it / At the end of summer?
The only constant in life is change
Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.
A populace never rebels from passion for attack, but from impatience of suffering.
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
There is a great need for the introduction of new values in our society, where bigger is not necessarily better, where slower can be faster, and where less can be more.
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