Young Women’s Leadership

In 2012, as the impacts of the global financial downturn persist, planetary boundaries are pushed to their limits and the world population will soon tip 9 billion, the global community continues to grapple with urgent intertwined crises of climate, food and fuel, exacerbated by violations of social justice and human rights. Vigilant, progressive and sustained global action is needed – particularly to change production and consumption patterns and halt greenhouse gas emissions. Countries and populations most responsible for environmental catastrophe must reverse behavior, embrace its power as a leader and catalyze global change.

We need leaders, across sectors and backgrounds, who are equipped to face global complexities, build bridges, inspire innovation and drive toward a more resilient, sustainable planet. As they will inherit the challenges of today, the next generation must be ready to act – and young women are among the most powerful constituencies. Around the world., countless programs and initiatives target young women, transforming patterns of leadership, particularly focusing on areas of education and opportunity in which women are typically underrepresented, such as in finance and government, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). In the United States alone, where the majority of college graduates (57%) and master’s level graduates (60%) are women, there are over 180 programs nationwide focused on promoting women’s leadership in STEM. Barriers still exist, of course, but in boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, in non-profit and grassroots organizations, on university campuses and across social media platforms, women are challenging their place in the pipeline, questioning the nature of power and mobilizing for change. Young women, as they build diverse and powerful spheres of influence across multiple sectors, have transformative potential.

2012 marked WEDO’s 20th Anniversary, and moving forward, WEDO has committed to honoring it’s legacy of ground-breaking women’s leadership and activism by celebrating the next generation of women leaders. There is an incredible power in women’s organizing and leadership to create meaningful change, and a crucial need for sustained efforts to advance women’s equality. As Bella said, “No matter how steep the passage and discouraging the pace, I ask you never to give in and never give up.” Engaging in dialogue with young women leaders is central to the future of WEDO; working with and inspiring those who will help shape our future.

Project in Focus
In 2012, as a new member of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), WEDO committed to expanding its platform by mobilizing and networking young women as sustainability leaders. Focusing on incorporating human rights, women’s empowerment and leadership, gender equality, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment issues into existing programs and networks that promote and empower young women as leaders, both in the U.S. and worldwide, WEDO aimed to broaden its base of women and gender equality advocates for a just and sustainable world. WEDO conducted a mapping of current initiatives focused on young women’s empowerment, particularly in the area of STEM, to identify methodologies for leadership development and highlighting gaps in knowledge and capacity building on sustainable development. A mobilized network of young activists and advocates was established in key environmental negotiating spheres, and next, a portfolio of practical tools for information sharing will be created for training and use throughout existing and nascent programs. Read about the commitment here: http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/commitments/commitments_search.asp?id=765873

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