It
is sometimes hard to define this space. What is the structure? What are the
limits? What are the guidelines? What is the goal? What is the dream? I want
this space to be real. I want this space to be authentic. I want this space to
simmer. I want this space to crackle. I want this space to pull at heartstrings–
to fill the soul. I want this space to grow new thoughts– to generate ideas–old
and new. I want this space to inspire. I want this space to create. I want this
space to laugh. I want this space to share. I want this space for a late night.
I want this space for an early morning. I want this space for a sunny corner–or
a rainy day. I want this space for me. I want this space for you. I want this
space to fill cups, and cups of cosmos.
My
latest Cup of Cosmos is overflowing with reality. The reality of what is
happening around the world from an international perspective. For some, this
seems too daunting, too far away, and/or too hard to understand. For people who
feel this way–I understand. But for me, it is right at the centerfold of my
everyday. It is the hook that I cast out into the ocean of New York City–an
ocean of knowledge, expertise, and experience. In return, I hope to catch the
answers to questions, connecting one side of the world with another, and learn
something new every single day about the problems and solutions (that are at
the forefront of discussion) in the international arena. That is one full cup.
Rarely
do I ever spill heavy thoughts and ideas out onto this page–but recently it has
seemed necessary. I was inspired this week by a trip I took uptown, to a very tall
high rise building, where I found myself in a room in the clouds, sitting
around a large table surrounded by members of the UN, women from parliament and
ambassadors to countries from all over the world. I heard from women first hand
describe their daily struggles to obtain an education, fight for social and
political freedoms and a find their voice in countries such as Pakistan and
Afghanistan. These women face resistance everyday from their government, from
their community and from their country based solely on their gender. As the
world looks to strengthen both peace and security, women are at the forefront
of the discussion as a means to the solution.
This
movement is slowly taking shape– just look at the incredible women like Vandana
Shiva, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, Tawakkol Karman and Wangari
Maathai. These women are my role models. They are paving the way for women all
over the world to have opportunity, equality, education, voice, respect, and a
greater role and responsibility in their communities and worldwide. Our very
own United Nations Secretary General, Ben Ki–moon recently said, “We must put
women at the front and center of the peace process–in negotiation and
mediation, post conflict governance and reconstruction. The President of
Pakistan also said, “The world would be a better place if more women were in
positions of power and women of the region were brought closer together.
Bringing together women of the region will make this region more tolerant, more
peaceful, and more secure.” As world leaders begin to shine a light on the role
and asset women are to our world, we can’t help but start to see some changes
taking place.
And
so I left the office in the clouds feeling not only hopeful, but also inspired.
There are amazing changes taking place all over the world, and incredible
people (particularly women) behind those changes. We have a long way to go, but
we also can’t forget how far we have come. As Ms. Shinkai Karokhail pointed out
to me yesterday, “ You can’t compare a woman of today with a woman from 10
years ago—they are two totally different people.” And so this might not be the
Cup of Cosmos that you expected for today. This might not be the Cup of Cosmos
that you want to gulp down. All I ask is that you try it, take a sip, let it
seep into your veins and just think about some of the global issues that are
taking place (all) around you. You don’t have to be an expert. Just be aware.
And always have a cup at the ready. Cheers.
This
cup is for Ms. Shinkai Karokhail and Dr. Donya Aziz–truly inspiring women who
are changing the world
And
I will leave you with a few inspiring clips:
I
watch this all the time and feel inspired:
Great
people doing great things:
Who
better to sing it than Beyonce?
No comments:
Post a Comment