This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
PODCAST
Cherie Blair
Everyone needs a role model
How can we change the world through women empowerment and female leadership? This is what will ensure the future - a systemic, tough, but such a rewarding path. The first step is to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship and the resto you’ll find in this conversation between women who love a seemingly impossible challenge.
If you didn't have the time to listen to the podcast, here are some insights from this conversation.
Everyone needs a role model
Nowadays, female leadership and grassroots support organizations, like Girl Move Academy, are the solutions for some of the world's problems, such as the glass ceiling effect and gender inequalities. In this episode, Cherie Blair, lawyer, joined some Girl MOVERS to speak about the relationship between mentorship programs, empowerment, and female leadership.
Gender inequalities remain in our society in what concerns politics, education, and also leadership. This has inspired many women to start being role models, taking part in associations where they fight against inequalities. Unfortunately, there isn't still a country in the world in which women have the same opportunities as men have. What should be done to change this reality?
- Support women and start seeing them as leaders: "Looking at women's political opportunities there are very few women in parliament".
- No one should have an entitlement for a job. People should be selected, based on their abilities, not due to their gender. Poverty shouldn't also be a reason for social exclusion. Talent should empower people, giving them the chance to make their dreams come true.
- Get rid of stereotypes, like "women can't do business because they don't understand about money". Even when these statements are said as a joke, they end up being part of the problem.
- "We need to have more programs for women, encouraging them to become leaders. Mentoring is very important". The Girl Move Academy is just an example of an association that seeks to empower young women. It's also a network that promotes cooperation between all of them.
- Don´t be afraid to take risks, start your own business or have jobs that aren't usually associated with women. In this context, our guest tells a story that she heard in which a little girl said to her teacher: "When I become president, I will...". At that moment, Cherie was sure: the change was occurring. Nowadays, some little girls imagine themselves having leadership jobs, something that is only possible due to mentorship: "When you give people the opportunity of thinking for themselves, of seeing where their talents will take them, it gives them the strength to not lose that very easily. Then, it's easy to say "this could happen", but they can't do that on their own. That is why sisterhood, supporting each other, and being part of the network is very important.
Always remember that your action can be other people´s turning pointinto being more empathetic and supporting social causes. Also, the political context is fundamental for these changes to occur.
If you want to know more about how to support this cause, listen to this episode.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Cherie Blair
Founder & Chair of Omnia Strategy
Cherie Blair likes to say education was the enabler for her to reach as far as she did. She built a successful career as a lawyer and devoted her talents to unleash the potential of women entrepreneurs with her Foundation.
Ilka Saíde
Girl MOVER Alumni
Ilka Saíde is a gender and mental health activist passionate about sports. She's on the path of changing the world through positive psychology, by being a mentor to girls and supporting women starting social projects in the community.
Jéssica Matavele
Girl MOVER Alumni
Jéssica Matavele is a woman wearing engineer boots, fighting towards making this field more inclusive and believing that the Oil and Gas industry can be environmentally friendly.
Sónia Catingue
Girl MOVER Alumni
Sónia Catingue is a social media and advertising ninja. She believes marketing for good can contribute to make companies more human, inclusive and help them generate a positive impact in the world.
