Learning About “Mixity” and Other Progressive Concepts
Learning about the triumphs and challenges of women from other countries, industries and generations is mind broadening. Europe as a whole is more progressive than North America when it comes to promoting women to positions of power in government and the private sector. Women’s networks are stronger and more effective and the networks are “tighter”. Meeting women who run their own companies, serve large companies, work in government and lead women’s organizations in North America and Europe was extremely humbling and provided countless opportunities to listen and learn from women who are leading the way in promoting women in the private and public sectors all over the world.
Feeling Inspired by Stories of Women Who are Making a Difference
As women, our power and strength lies in the stories of our lives. Often the best way to get to know someone is simply to listen to their “story”. The stories at this conference were numerous, diverse and fascinating. An American woman who decided to join the Peace Corps after her marriage ended. A Bulgarian woman whose small mobile phone company was bought by a large conglomerate and now holds a senior position there. An American woman who is being phased out of a company she’s worked at for 23 years and is wondering what her next challenge will be. A Dutch woman whose passion for sailing had her involved in organizing a regatta in her home town via cell phone during breakfast sometimes! A German woman who is facing challenges at a government agency with complacent workers while searching for the love of her life. To hear women of all ages, nationalities, education levels and backgrounds talk about where they have been, where they are at now, and where they want to go, provides a perspective about one’s own “path” that can only invite inspiration.
I left this conference with a reinforcement in my belief that we’re all here doing our best and leading our lives in ways that allow us to be the best mothers, managers, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, friends, daughters, wives, and WOMEN we can be. To share this search for discovery about what our best can actually be, in a foreign land, with a new group of friends, was a tremendously moving experience and one that I look forward to repeating again soon.
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