Gifts from the World

Director's Corner -- January GWLN Newsletter -- by Linda Alepin

On my 65th birthday, I was given so many irreplaceable gifts from around the globe. Your well wishes brought me tears of joy. I thank each of you who took the time to send me a message.

Your words led me to reflect on many other gifts I have received from the Global Women's Leadership Network (GWLN).

I thought about all of the volunteers and those attending GWLN events who have contributed time to be present and active in our community. I am grateful to you for sharing your gifts of involvement and meaningful collaboration.

I thought about the many generous donors and sponsors who have supported us financially. I thank you for your investment in our organization and, more importantly, for your investment in the 121 leaders from 34 countries.

I thought about the graduates from the six leadership training programs each in action to help build a better future for their communities. I am inspired by their dedication, commitment, and in many cases, outright courage.

During our 2010 Global Leaders for Justice (GLJ) program, the theme of Ubuntu: "I am, because we are" resonated with all of us. For me this word brings forth the visual representation of a circle where we are all supported and included as integral to the global community. I have felt the power of the synergy that is possible when we work together.

Each and every one of you -- volunteers, supporters, donors, sponsors and graduates strengthen what is possible in the world. In unison, the gift of our actions allows for global social change.

I spent time reflecting on the accomplishments outlined in the coaching reports from the 2010 Global Leaders for Justice Program. I share a few of these with you as a sample so you, too, can rejoice in their progress and experience the gift that comes from being part of a network of leaders dedicated to others and each other.

Trudy Bower at the World Food Program funded 6 projects benefitting 2,600 women and will know the impact on their income and food security in March 2011.

Radha Friedman is in the process of mapping out the creation of a global network to support women's land rights, which will entail hundreds of new partnerships with local NGOs, government agencies, etc. She shared her vision/plan with Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Issues at the U.S. State Department and she gave her support.

Josie Hadden stepped up to be the co-chair of a joint Global Fund for Women and Women Donor's Network study circle on Women Confronting Militarism.

Grace Igweta started an education leaders' movement (Leadership in Education Action and Policy - LEAP), with the aim of advocating for policy reforms and improved practices in the education sector.

Josephine Muli has mobilized schools to start the formation of girls' peace clubs. As of last month 1,000 girls have registered in these clubs at 20 schools.

Blanche Pitt has convened meetings with the National Ministry of Health in Tanzania, the Country Representative of the World Health Organization and the United Nations and the White Ribbon Alliance who all agreed to support and go into a partnership to save the lives of mothers in Tanzania.

I was heartened by the achievement these recent graduates are reporting. As we begin the New Year, I hope each one of us asks: "What action will I take in unity to transform the world?"

I would like to conclude with some words from Patricia Guerrero that I think speak powerfully to all of us. "One woman with determination to do something in her life for other women can change the history of humanity. You can be sure that when you feel lost, other women will come to help improve your capacity and strengthen your determination. When you start to work for women, you will never be alone."