believe that there are two constraints in unlocking the potential that you are so right in pointing out :
- self belief, that we can figure it out as we go along.
- someone believing in your potential and raising expectations from us.
Usually, in my experience, the 2nd condition comes first. Someone believes in us even before we do in ourselves. I think you have done that role for many of us, by believing that all of us have potential that we can realise.
Now it’s up to each and everyone of us to believe in our agency and go make the difference we want to make. Of course, there will be challenges. Of course, there will be obstacles. Of course, it’s not going to be easy. But therein lies the fun.
Sometimes, when things push back, it better not to push back but find a way to slide, side step or fly over what pushes us back.
Let’s go make the difference we want to make!
And thanks for believing in the power we all have and cheerleading for us!!!
Hi Sophie, very good article. I think that you addressed a long existing problem really well. Now we have to focus on how we can changed that. How come that e.g. in the African culture, women tend to get things done whereas men tend to be less efficient. Why are women still dominating in raising children (who might become the leaders of the future…). In many cases, women demonstrate entrepreneurial qualities without education… And the list goes on and on… What sets women apart? Why is that not recognized? Or maybe recognized, but not respected? Reductionism is more a male’s thing (concrete, measurable, etc) and our society, science is more reductionistic developed… If you want to be believed …then better follow that path and not the ‘fluffy’ holistic orientation (because that takes too much time…. And we don’t have time … after all… ). Of course I’m generalizing greatly… but maybe many recognize this… A different orientation during our educational career could maybe be a good start??
Thanks for the comments and questions, Paul. During my time at the UN working in international economic development, it was common to observe challenges across Africa where, in many regions, men controlled the finances even for work performed by women. This was often due to social norms and, in some cases, legal restrictions preventing women from owning bank accounts. Frequently, this led to men misusing these funds through drinking or gambling. We've observed that when women gain economic independence, their earnings typically benefit the family and the wider community, creating significant positive impacts. A notable example of overcoming such restrictive practices is M-Pesa, which revolutionised the informal banking sector by using mobile phones to provide financial services, circumventing traditional banking restrictions. This is a case of innovation making a positive impact where incumbants couldn't or wouldn't due to regulatory and political complexities, personal competing interests, etc. Thank you for your quetions and keeping the dialogue alive.
believe that there are two constraints in unlocking the potential that you are so right in pointing out :
- self belief, that we can figure it out as we go along.
- someone believing in your potential and raising expectations from us.
Usually, in my experience, the 2nd condition comes first. Someone believes in us even before we do in ourselves. I think you have done that role for many of us, by believing that all of us have potential that we can realise.
Now it’s up to each and everyone of us to believe in our agency and go make the difference we want to make. Of course, there will be challenges. Of course, there will be obstacles. Of course, it’s not going to be easy. But therein lies the fun.
Sometimes, when things push back, it better not to push back but find a way to slide, side step or fly over what pushes us back.
Let’s go make the difference we want to make!
And thanks for believing in the power we all have and cheerleading for us!!!
Therein lies the fun. Well said, Mukesh. Thanks for sharing your valuable insights.
Hi Sophie, very good article. I think that you addressed a long existing problem really well. Now we have to focus on how we can changed that. How come that e.g. in the African culture, women tend to get things done whereas men tend to be less efficient. Why are women still dominating in raising children (who might become the leaders of the future…). In many cases, women demonstrate entrepreneurial qualities without education… And the list goes on and on… What sets women apart? Why is that not recognized? Or maybe recognized, but not respected? Reductionism is more a male’s thing (concrete, measurable, etc) and our society, science is more reductionistic developed… If you want to be believed …then better follow that path and not the ‘fluffy’ holistic orientation (because that takes too much time…. And we don’t have time … after all… ). Of course I’m generalizing greatly… but maybe many recognize this… A different orientation during our educational career could maybe be a good start??
Thanks for the comments and questions, Paul. During my time at the UN working in international economic development, it was common to observe challenges across Africa where, in many regions, men controlled the finances even for work performed by women. This was often due to social norms and, in some cases, legal restrictions preventing women from owning bank accounts. Frequently, this led to men misusing these funds through drinking or gambling. We've observed that when women gain economic independence, their earnings typically benefit the family and the wider community, creating significant positive impacts. A notable example of overcoming such restrictive practices is M-Pesa, which revolutionised the informal banking sector by using mobile phones to provide financial services, circumventing traditional banking restrictions. This is a case of innovation making a positive impact where incumbants couldn't or wouldn't due to regulatory and political complexities, personal competing interests, etc. Thank you for your quetions and keeping the dialogue alive.
Good questions
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This may be my favorite post by you yet. And that’s some stiff competition.
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