Hey Changemaker!

A Boost of Power & Positivity from Around the World

Even in difficult and stressful times, one thing is certain we are MANY. We are activists, advocates, experts, allies, friends and people who want to say they did something. Encouragement and positivity is needed to continue our important work for gender equality, human rights, social justice and a sustainable and peaceful world. 
So, I’ve taken to the Girls’ Globe archives to pull out positive and encouraging messages from amazing people from around the world - who share your commitment to making this world a better place. 
In this episode you will hear uplifting messages for changemakers on power, self-care, resilience and more, featuring: 
Imelda Coulibaly, Abusu Health, (Côte D'Ivoire)
Nice Nailantei Leng'ete, Anti-FGM Activist (Kenya) 
Evelyn, girls education advocate (Uganda)
Daniela Ligiero, Together for Girls (USA)
Lina AbiRafeh, Activist, Speaker and Independent Consultant (Lebanon/USA) 
Sharon D'Agostino, SayItForward.org (USA)

What’s going on, Sweden? A Gender Equality Check

What's the status of gender equality in one of the world's most gender equal countries? 
When looking at gender equality rates globally, Sweden has been in the top 5 countries for a long time. Internationally, Sweden has been known for its focus on development, aid, gender equality and human rights. The previous government even pioneered a feminist foreign policy. However - recent years have seen a shift in the public discourse on these issues. 
In this episode, I speak to a representative from academia, Niclas Järvklo, the General Secretary of the Swedish Women’s Organizations, Clara Berglund, and the newly appointed Minister of Gender Equality, Paulina Brandberg. The conversations were recorded at the Swedish Gender Equality Forum in February 2023. 
Please share your thoughts under the post for this episode at girlsglobe.org/changemaker.
 

Bulelwa Adonis: A voice for victims of gender based violence & femicides in South Africa

In most parts of the world, intimate partner violence is so frequent it can be called an epidemic. In South Africa, rates of gender based violence are five times higher than the global average. 
Bulelwa Adonis is a multi-passionate woman from South Africa using her voice to encourage, educate, entertain and be a mouthpiece for those who cannot speak.  She currently holds a Higher Certificate in Counseling and Communication and is currently studying towards a degree in Psychology, where she hopes to impact communities. She is a mental health advocate, a social justice activist (particularly against GBV) and the Spokesperson for the organization Women for Change South Africa. She is a writer, poet and speaker.
In this episode we speak about rape, femicides and rape culture in South Africa. We talk about the important work of Women for Change South Africa. Bulelwa also shares her own stories of overcoming trauma, and how she turned her pain into activism.

Neil Datta: Anti-Gender and Anti-Rights Movements in Europe

Understanding the anti-gender and anti-rights movements in Europe is essential to defending and safeguarding human rights and democracy in Europe and across the world - and for pushing for more progressive change for gender equality, human rights and in essence sustainability. 
My guest is Neil Datta, Founder and Executive Director of European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights. Neil has over fifteen years’ experience in the field of political involvement in population and development. Throughout this period he has conducted in-depth research on anti-choice activity in Europe, publishing a report in 2018 that continues to receive worldwide media attention.
Our conversation is really about the anti-gender and anti-rights movements in Europe, what they look like, where the funding for them comes from, their growth and development in recent years. We also speak about what we can do to defend gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. 
If you’re interested in reading the reports published by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights go to epfweb.org 

Sharon Kathryn D’Agostino: The Power of Stories

Storytelling is an essential part of the life of any changemaker, and it is a necessary part of connecting with our own humanity and the humanity of others. 
In this episode, Sharon Kathryn D'Agostino, founder of SayItForward.org and co-host of The Power of Stories podcast, shares why storytelling is so powerful. We talk about the different ways (and why!) she is creating space for people, and women in particular, to share their stories and connect with their own truth. Sharon also hosts monthly Women's Circles that are an important part of my own self-care, which we also talk about. You can learn more about submit your interest in joining a Women's Circle at girlsglobe.org/womenscircle.
This is such an uplifting episode, as Sharon connects us with her belief in the power of love, compassion, and gratitude in shaping a kinder, gentler, more compassionate world for all.
 

7 Ways to Consistently Move Forward

It isn't easy to keep moving forward towards you dreams and goals - especially as a changemaker. In this episode, I share some simple things you can do to help you consistently move toward your goals and dreams. These small things can be life changing, and can really help you move forward this year. 
 

Audit Your Mindset, Changemaker!

As you plan for the year ahead and set your goals, you’ll notice that you may have to start new habits or build new beliefs about yourself. You'll have to work through disappointments and failures. Even research shows that working towards your goals can result in an emotional and physical toll. 
In this episode, I share how you can begin to consciously audit your mindset and the thoughts you have about yourself, the world and success. I share some personal journal entries and talk about how the stories we tell ourselves have so much power - and what we can do about it. 
I hope you join me on this journey, because the world really needs you, and most importantly - YOU need you! 

”If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough”

What President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia said is especially true for changemakers.  "If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough. The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them.”
So, how do we set goals as changemakers? 
In this episode, I share a strategy to set holistic goals that looks a bit different from everything we've been taught about goals. Grab your journal and a pen, and let's think through the year ahead together. It's time to go beyond S.M.A.R.T goals and leave hustle culture behind. Who do you want to be this year, changemaker? 

New Beginnings

A new year is a perfect time for new beginnings - a time to reflect on our desires and goals, and to grow. For me, it isn’t about setting new year’s resolutions, but to tune in to my vision, my purpose and the big dreams I have for myself in the world. It’s about reflecting and creating an environment for positive change on a personal level. 
Join me for the entire month of January and let's gain clarity for the year ahead, to define success and set goals as changemakers in a world that's burning. 
I hope you'll join me. 
 

Setting boundaries and building global solidarity

This year has been pain upon pain upon pain for so many. We are managing both direct trauma of a rangde of different crises or the secondary trauma of witnessing them unfold in front of our eyes. 
For me, it has been incredibly important to name the trauma of being a changemaker, activist or advocate (whaterver you want to call it) in a world full of crises and pain. 
In this episode I share some of my learnings and commitments after a difficult year, from self care to how I'm dedicated to do more. I also share some news from Girls' Globe about our new free memberships and how YOU can be a part of a global feminist media movement for gender equality, human rights, social justice and sustainability. 
Sending you so much love, gratitude and solidarity in a world of crisis and pain. 
See you next year, changemaker!