^{Going Global}

Photo Credit: Society and Diplomatic Review

^{– A Women’s Brigade Looks for Answers to Solving the World’s Problems}

^{They came to New York on a hunt for something elusive – world happiness. The players came from many different countries, from European nations to South Africa to India and Nepal, and each had something valuable to contribute. About 40 high-powered women – and some men – gathered in 100 UN Plaza in September to talk, to discuss, to share ideas and experiences.}

^{This one-day informal round-table was the brainchild of Rekha Mody, activist and founder of ‘Stree Shakti – Parallel Force’, who has held several conventions in the past to initiate a peaceful and sustainable world, including a meeting in Dubai in 2021, four conclaves in India in 2022 and one in Geneva.  She believes women are prime players in this global scenario and so this initial event was the starting point to lay the underpinnings of the mega-meet planned for 2024.}

^{At this one-on-one gathering each woman shared her core strengths and brainstormed the needs of the global community. A convening committee headed by Chairwoman Gloria Starr Kins, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Society & Diplomatic Review (SDR), a United Nations accredited publication, was formed with strong women from the medical, business and cultural communities. Besides Rekha Mody, the convening committee includes} Vandana Shah, Jagdish Sewhani, Sabina Singh, Dr Thandeka Mazibuko, Umran Bebe, Shelley Zallis and Cinta Del Monaco-Kemp. Other participants included Shazia Ilmi, Dr. Madhumita Kothari and Kanta Singh. Dr. Modi of Global Citizens’ Forum also pledged his support.

^{One of the ideas which received applause was by Dr. Thandeka Mazibuko of South Africa, popularly known as Dr. T, who suggested that if there were a thousand women at the conference, each should bring with her a young girl and open up the larger world for her.  “Whatever we are doing, be it economic, health, woman empowerment – we cannot do it alone. We have to work with the schools, with the health centers,” she said.  “I think if we can do that, we can increase our representation, our voices, and not just our voices, but we can become the voices of those who are voiceless.”}

^{From Wall Street to the arts to struggling communities, the women discussed the needs of a changing world. As Mody noted, the goal is to see women’s leadership in decision making, health expenditure, medical education, climate friendly policies as well as equal opportunities for all. “Together we will work magic to create a global women’s voice. And we have to create a world where merit is rewarded and where our anatomy should not be deciding our dreams and aspirations.”}

^{This was the forerunner to a mega-meet in 2024 – the place and date to be announced. Stay tuned!}

 Photo Gallery –  Women Connecting