© Women's Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace

Issue 7, February 2006 - As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, it’s time to take stock of how women's status has changed over the years, where we stand today, and why it matters. Women have more opportunities for education and stronger legal rights in many countries, they are taking leadership roles in local communities, and stand at the forefront of the peace movement. But serious challenges remain, including cultural attitudes that debase women, gender violence, laws that favor men, and limited access to health care. Perhaps the greatest change will come when women and men agree to work together for gender equality and when every one of us fights the stereotypes that keep both sexes from fulfilling their potential.

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While gains have been made in some sectors and some countries, women still aren't getting the same opportunities as men in education, employment, and other aspects of life—with unfortunate consequences for society as a whole.

In Europe, Africa, and South America, women have just taken top posts. But the bigger picture is not so rosy for women, which is surprising, because studies show that when women hold power the quality of governance rises, corruption sinks, and citizens are better represented.

They are running factories and non-profits, leading campaigns and demonstrations, and standing up to government oppression around the world. They are mothers, widows, journalists, Nobel Prize winners, peacemakers...they are just like you and me.

One year ago this month, Joyce sat in a stifling hot cyber cafe in Nairobi, Kenya, and typed the first message on behalf of her village’s women’s group to what would become their “Sister Circle” halfway around the world. The ensuing relationship has had a profound effect on Jenni Prisk and her women's group in San Diego.

Yolanda Richardson, a public health specialist and former Wall Street lawyer, has spent over a decade at the upper echelons of international development. She shares her thoughts on women's empowerment and leadership.

Women's Learning Partnership has worked with 18 autonomous women’s organizations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to create culture-specific curricula for leadership workshops with women. They offer insight into what it means to develop “participatory” leadership skills.

“No” is a powerful word. Two little letters, one short syllable, have the potential to change the world...

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