“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world” (Hillary Clinton)
Although officially celebrated by the United Nations on March 8th each year since 1977, the history of International Women´s Day dates back to the early 20th Century. In New York, The United States, women workers from the garment industry started protesting against working conditions, led by The Socialist Party of America.
Well-known for strong-minded women, Finland was one of the first countries in the world to follow the footsteps of Socialist International, the movement that came to establish the International Women´s Day in Copenhagen in 1910.
The real purpose of the International Women´s Day is the promotion of women to have equal human rights across the globe with men in an effort to achieve sustainable development, peace, and security. Empowering women worldwide is essential both for women and men in order to overcome social, economic, and political challenges being obstacles on our common path towards a world where every citizen has equal human rights. Until these goals have been achieved, both men and women should make each day of the year The International Women´s Day.
Although Finland is one of the most equal states worldwide in terms of gender equality, even this country of a thousand lakes (well, in fact we have almost 188.000 lakes) needs improvement in many areas, especially when it comes to abolishing (domestic) violence. Surprisingly enough, Finland as one of the most equal states in the whole world is reported to have the 2nd most domestic violence in the whole EU, with 47 % of all women of age 15 or above having experienced physical or sexual violence in some form.
Nevertheless, and apart from (domestic) violence, Finland is one of the safest and most equal countries in the world for women to work, and to live. In comparison with most other countries, women do officially have exactly the same human rights as men, including the right to own land – a major obstacle for women to progress economically, and socially, in many countries worldwide.
The most important reasons for both men and women to support the initiative to achieve gender equality worldwide:
– Abolishing poverty: The majority of poor people worldwide are women, due to various reasons such as women being hindered from participating in workforce, low wages, not having equal rights with men e.g. in terms of owning land (although women do most of the agricultural work worldwide).
– Empowering women and strengthening women´s position across the globe reduces severe economic and societal problems. The empowerment of women simultaneously leads to the empowerment of children, and men. Women are as important as men in societies, and by no means inferior.
“The Rise of Women Does Not Mean the Fall of Men”
Dedicated for MEN across the world especially –
A Movement is Building:
“All over the world, men are taking a stand for gender equality. See how many men in your country have committed. Join them and move your country into the lead”:
Click the link above and see how you as a MAN can support gender equality, and also watch this inspiring video where UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson encourages world and corporate leaders to take action for gender equality:
According to Vedanta, there are only two symptoms of enlightenment, just two indications that a transformation is taking place within you toward a higher consciousness. The first symptom is that you stop worrying. Things don’t bother you anymore. You become light-hearted and full of joy. The second symptom is that you encounter more and more meaningful coincidences in your life, more and more synchronicities. And this accelerates to the point where you actually experience the miraculous. (Deepak Chopra, Synchrodestiny: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence to Create Miracles)
Inspired by Mr. Gérard Henri Loiseau, Associate Director at Oxford Leadership Academy, who gave me valuable feedback upon one of my previous posts, I started doing some research upon the term “synchronicity,” the meaning of which is well explained in the following short YouTube video:
After having watched the video, spend a moment to reflect upon synchronicity. Have you had any similar experiences in your life? If yes, I would very much like to hear about them/read your comments. If not, make it a regular practice to focus in your mind upon expanding it, making space for synchronic events to occur – and see what starts to happen as you shift your thoughts and your way of thinking. Our minds work in miraculous ways, and there is a tendency for miracles to happen as soon as we make space for them to manifest in our lives.
Synchronicity, the roots of which are grounded in primitive magic, has always existed. Although a suspect concept to “scientific minds”, synchronicity has been widely practiced and researched across the world, not only in primitive cultures having a firm belief in sympathetic connection comparable to modern-day telepathy – in fact, Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961), a Swiss psychiatrist, psychotherapist and founder of analytical psychology, created a concept out of synchronicity in addition to his work upon collective unconscious, archetypes, extra-version, and introversion (part of his psychometric instrument The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator).
Pythagorean sympathy of all things, Taoism, ESP, and iChing give additional insight into synchronicity and synchronous leadership practices.
Other useful reading:
Greenleaf, R.K. Servant Leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness
Jaworski, J. Synchronicity
Jung, C. Jung on Synchronicity and the Paranormal: Key Readings
Jung, C. Synchronicity – An Acausal Connecting Principle
Koestler, A. The Roots of Coincidence – An Excursion into Parapsychology
Levy, P. Awaken in The Dream – Catching The Bug of Synchronicity
Pruett, J. Historical Synchronicity
Senge, P. The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World
“The Vault of Time”. Artist: sattva/Freedigitalphotos.net. ID: 100124772.
According to Vedanta, there are only two symptoms of enlightenment, just two indications that a transformation is taking place within you toward a higher consciousness. The first symptom is that you stop worrying. Things don’t bother you anymore. You become light-hearted and full of joy. The second symptom is that you encounter more and more meaningful coincidences in your life, more and more synchronicities. And this accelerates to the point where you actually experience the miraculous. (Deepak Chopra, Synchrodestiny: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence to Create Miracles)
Inspired by Mr. Gérard Henri Loiseau, Associate Director at Oxford Leadership Academy, who gave me valuable feedback upon one of my previous posts, I started doing some research upon the term “synchronicity”, the meaning of which is well explained in the following short YouTube video:
After having watched the video, spend a moment to reflect upon synchronicity. Have you had any similar experiences in your life? If yes, I would very much like to hear about them/read your comments. If not, make it a regular practice to focus in your mind upon expanding it, making space for synchronic events to occur – and see what starts to happen as you shift your thoughts and your way of thinking. Our minds work in miraculous ways, and there is a tendency for miracles to happen as soon as we make space for them to manifest in our lives.
Synchronicity, the roots of which are grounded in primitive magic, has always existed. Although a suspect concept to “scientific minds”, synchronicity has been widely practiced and researched across the world, not only in primitive cultures having a firm belief in sympathetic connection comparable to modern-day telepathy – in fact, Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961), a Swiss psychiatrist, psychotherapist and founder of analytical psychology, created a concept out of synchronicity in addition to his work upon collective unconscious, archetypes, extra-version, and introversion (part of his psychometric instrument The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator).
Pythagorean sympathy of all things, Taoism, ESP, and iChing give additional insight into synchronicity and synchronous leadership practices.
Other useful reading:
Greenleaf, R.K. Servant Leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness
Jaworski, J. Synchronicity
Jung, C. Jung on Synchronicity and the Paranormal: Key Readings
Jung, C. Synchronicity – An Acausal Connecting Principle
Koestler, A. The Roots of Coincidence – An Excursion into Parapsychology
Levy, P. Awaken in The Dream – Catching The Bug of Synchronicity
Pruett, J. Historical Synchronicity
Senge, P. The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World
The Weather Channel´s Big Waves Surfing video is a rather extreme example, and the purpose of sharing it is by no means a suggestion for anyone to try anything similar out personally, only to serve as a demonstration for the kind of attitude embracing change may require.
Regardless of your formal status, in your mind you can become a brave surfer who learns to master small and big waves, riding your surfing board through the waves of personal and business life.
The benefits of “mental surfing”:
Activity – keeps you going and hinders you from stagnation
“A rolling stone gathers no moss”
Anticipation – forecasting everything (with a 100 % accuracy) is impossible, but anticipation is equal to being prepared
“Why do great writers use anticipation instead of surprise? Surprise is merely an instrument of the unusual, whereas anticipation of a consequence enlarges our understanding of what is happening”. (Roger Rosenblatt)
Consciousness – regular “mind-surfing” enhances your awakening-process and helps you reach untapped potential within yourself
“You are an explorer, and you represent our species, and the greatest good you can do is to bring back a new idea, because our world is endangered by the absence of good ideas. Our world is in crisis because of the absence of consciousness”. (Terence McKenna)
Creativity – like surfing, creativity is hard work
“Creativity is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration”.
Development – activity together with consciousness lead to development, which is relevant for mastering change successfully
“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership”. (Harvey S. Firestone)
Education – the more you educate yourself, the better you are prepared for mastering change
“The true purpose of education is to make minds, not careers” (William Deresiewicz)
Fantasy – Daydreaming and regular stargazing are said to increase health
“If you can dream it, you can do it” (Walt Disney)
Innovation – All of the above are essential to your personal innovation process (and, for innovation in general)
“Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable”. (William Pollard)
Learning – Change is always about learning
“Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward”. (Henry Ford)
Mental mapping/training – A surfer, or any other (sports) person has to train his/her mind, and have the capability of building maps that can be useful when implemented into action in the physical world
“If the brain is a lock, the mind map is the key” (Bob Pike)
NLP – Neuro-linguistic programming as a multi-dimensional process develops behavioral competence and flexibility in addition to being a “tool” for self-discovery
“What we think we become – your voice can change the world”
Open-mindedness – Only with an open mind can we reach higher levels of consciousness and extend our learning experiences
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change” (Albert Einstein)
Playfulness – children are naturally playful, but playfulness is important throughout life in order to embrace, and live change
“Life is playfulness – we need to play so that we can rediscover the magical around us” (Flora Colao)
Rest – Our bodies and minds need enough rest in order to stay creative
“Rest. Sleep. Let your mind have the dream s/he desires and let your body have the peace s/he deserves”.
Silence – Recommended reading (if you haven´t read it already): Silence – The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise (Thich Nhat Hanh)
“Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom” (Francis Bacon)
Turbulence – Life, and the world, can sometimes feel turbulent. When we all learn how to stay calm in our minds, the world will not be the same again.
“Turbulence is life force. It is opportunity. Let’s love turbulence and use it for change”. (Ramsey Clark)
Vision – There are many ways of strengthening personal vision. Vision can be enhanced through various means, such as balancing one´s chakras, and activation of the pineal gland (third eye chakra), through regular meditation and/or yoga.
“Don’t underestimate the power of your vision to change the world. Whether that world is your office, your community, an industry or a global movement, you need to have a core belief that what you contribute can fundamentally change the paradigm or way of thinking about problems”. (Leroy Hood)
“Continuous personal development is the best possible investment”.
“Earth thinking or talking”. Freedigitalphotos.net.
This may sound a little bit idealistic, but when I go to my blog, my Facebook page, my Twitter account, I talk to different people from all over the world, and you see how it’s easy to establish a dialogue. (Author Paulo Coelho)
Whether you are an author aspiring to become a living legend such as Paulo Coelho, an entrepreneur looking for new clients, representing a brand or an organization/corporation – establishing dialogue and investing in communication are essential for forming partnerships, creating lasting relationships, and for success.
“The new information technology… Internet and e-mail… have practically eliminated the physical costs of communications”. (Peter Drucker)
How do you establish dialogue and communicate online (and offline)?
Are you aware of the actual potential and value of online media, social networks, and a continuously growing online business platform such as LinkedIn? LinkedIn as an online business communication and networking platform offers more than many people and professionals have realized.
As an example of this, I want to share with you my experience of collaboration with a number of business professionals from around the world – people who I approached on LinkedIn.
What started out as an endeavor to establish dialogue online, resulted in MBA Career Stories, a free online publication which you can access here:
MBA Career Stories was written in collaboration by 33 MBA´s with different career and life paths across the globe. The e-publication serves as a career guide not only for aspiring MBA´s or students in general, but offers career, and life advice for practically anyone who enjoys reading true stories.
Extracts and best advice from MBA Career Stories:
“Always take action. You can take further corrective later if needed. This keeps your business moving forward and it is something that a customer likes to see”.
“Build relationships even with your competitors, as you never know how you can help one another”.
“Always build your network and consciously keep extending your reach”.
“Continuous learning and self-development is vital in today’s work”.
“Remember that you have two ears and one mouth” (Japanese proverb)
“Remember that you have two eyes, too”!
“Don’t ask for permission to be successful! What you choose to do with your life is not based on your parents expectations, what your teachers thought you were capable of, what your husband or partner thinks you should do or even what your friends are doing with their lives. It is all about what moves and inspires you. You should never need anyone else to tell you what that is or should be”.
Authenticity, in its purest sense, is the capability of remaining true to yourself and to your values. Along with integrity, which I wrote about previously, it is one of the keys for successful leadership.
As Dr. Lance Secretan teaches:
“Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet – thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing – consistently. This builds trust, and followers love leaders they can trust”.
Easier said than done in a world full of stimulus, temptations, where even the most truthful individuals easily get sucked into a vortex losing both their authenticity and direction. How do you know for sure that you have not lost your authenticity?
Signs of authenticity robbery (appeals both to personal behavior and behavior towards other individuals):
– Not seeing the wood for the trees
– No real purpose or direction
– Low self-worth, resulting in merely being a people-pleaser or some other form of emotional drainage in one self and in behavior towards other individuals
– Lack of creativity, copying other people´s work, and taking credit for someone else’s work
– Too high expectations upon oneself, and other people
– Fearful behavior resulting e.g. in loss of personal power and being incapable of confronting other individuals truthfully (hiding oneself, poor communication, no capability of taking/giving constructive criticism, avoiding conflicts etc.).
Being authentic is equal to being real, truthful, and having the capability to admit humanity, weaknesses, and vulnerability. Every great leader throughout history, and contemporary, has become truly successful through their capability of being authentic both towards themselves and towards others. Face the fact – you have to be authentic with yourself before having the courage to express authenticity towards other individuals. Even great artists have found their success through authenticity, including actors who master the skill to penetrate in to and to live the role of their character – without losing themselves in the process. Authenticity is also an essential ingredient in brand creation, be it that you are creating a brand out of yourself, or if branding a product.
Ways of strengthening authenticity:
Learn to master your mind. I always emphasize this, and not without reason. Quoting Remez Sasson: “Your mind is your instrument. Learn to be its master and not its slave”. Mastering one´s own mind requires continuous work, throughout life. If you do not master your own mind, someone else will.
All following points are part of the art of mastering one´s mind:
Practice consciousness, daily.
Focus on living in the present.
Increase simplicity in your life.
Be willing to let go, and to let energy flow freely.
Learn to say no, but also to take no for an answer.
Do not take anything personally.
Be prepared for an inward journey. Authenticity is within you.
Accept that you cannot change things forcefully, but rather through patience and diplomacy.
Always be open to learning from others, express gratitude, respect, and be thankful for all lessons coming your way.
Do not copy other people´s/organization´s work. Create your own. But if you still do use other people´s work, remember to refer to them/credit the individual/organization.
Have respect for people, starting with having respect for you. You are here for a reason.
Learn how to overcome your fears and transform them into positive energy.
Be yourself since everyone else is already taken (Oscar Wilde).
“At the end of the day, it is not about what you have or even what you have accomplished. It is about what you have done with those accomplishments. It is about who you have lifted up, and who you have empowered. It is about what you have given back.”
“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.”(Abraham Lincoln)
Leadership as one of the most widely discussed and debated topics is also one of the most demanding sports activities for any individual, regarding leadership as a sports activity. A leader has to be fit both mentally and physically, having the capability of combining both spurts and long-distance activities into leadership practices.
Expectations upon leaders are manifold. In today´s corporate world, leaders are often evaluated through corporate surveys and employee feedback questionnaires/ discussions, also called 360 degree feedback reviews. Politicians receive feedback through media and from voters. At least in democratic states where freedom of speech exists, where all citizens have equal possibilities, and equal human rights.
The importance of leadership is emphasized through the amount of discussion around, and research upon the topic, well-known journals and other media regularly publishing articles upon, and lists about, desired and important leadership qualities. Try to find a list of the most highly valued leadership qualities excluding INTEGRITY. Let me know if you can find one. I have not until this day.
A quick Google search with the keywords “integrity synonyms” gives the following top result:
integrity
ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/
noun
noun: integrity
1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
internal consistency or lack of corruption in electronic data.
“integrity checking”
WHY is integrity such an important leadership quality?
Top reasons for this:
Integrity is morally and ethically correct behavior
Integrity is human
Integrity is democratic
Integrity is highly valued by all human and democratic individuals
Integrity is authentic, truthful and honest
Integrity is not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk
Integrity is a part of any individual´s moral compass, and a tool for making not only things right, but also making the right things
Integrity is an essential part of conscious, ethical leadership, preventing immoral actions such as corruption, and enhancing transparency
Leaders with integrity are more concerned with the common goal than their personal ambition
Suggested further reading:
EY – Growing Beyond: a place for integrity. 12th Global Fraud Survey.
George, B. 2007. True North. Discover your Authentic Leadership.
Transparency International. The Global Coalition Against Corruption. Publications.
“Just as a compass points toward a magnetic field, your True North pulls you toward the purpose of your leadership. When you follow your internal compass, your leadership will be authentic, and people will naturally want to associate with you. Although others may guide or influence you, your truth is derived from your life story and only you can determine what it should be.”
(True North, From the Introduction).
“If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.” (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations)
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)
“In countries where innocent people are dying, leaders are following blood rather than brains.” (Nelson Mandela)
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” (Nelson Mandela)
An individual who practices what he/she preaches is predictable, removing emotions of threat, developing trust. showing others consistency (unknown).
“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.”
(Andrew Carnegie)
My humblest thank you goes to the individual who inspired me to write this post – the one who wrote me: “It is foolish to think that one person can change the world”. In a way this person was absolutely right, because one individual out of more than 7,2 billion upon Earth can hardly change the world alone. This is the reality we are all faced with, and the realization of which is part of growing up.
However, in adulthood, many people forget how stay connected with their inner child, the one that inspires them to have faith, and believe in the impossible. Diverging ourselves from our true nature occurs due to a number of reasons, many times because of experiences on our life paths, and because many individuals face a lack of inspiration in and during their lives.
Yet, inspirational leaders often emerge out of the blue, often through challenging circumstances or when scarce resources bring forth the true qualities of an individual. How often has suffering ultimately turned into a wonderful life story? Our world is full of extraordinary transformational leaders, people who have experienced some major life changing events, allowing a deep, personal transformation develop into becoming an inspirational leader. I would like you to watch the following video, where actor and comedian Jim Carrey speaks about Spiritual Awakening, and the fact that we are all one:
Jim Carrey as a well-known actor and comedian is a great example of an inspirational leader who managed to rise above challenging circumstances, transforming these into a positive and successful career, and manifested his dreams by turning them into reality.
One leader alone not being enough to change the world is a fact, but every (aspiring) leader is aware of the power of intention together with action. World-transforming leaders are those who are brave enough to believe that they actually can change the world, not alone, but through setting an example, and inspiring others individuals into becoming world-transforming leaders as well.
World-transforming leadership starts by changing our personal thoughts, because our thoughts create our reality, and our thoughts lead to our actions, which lead to our everyday reality. Our thoughts and actions also have the power to influence other individuals, which is why it is so important to realize why thinking positive thoughts, and taking positive actions leads to increased positivity in our surroundings. We are all energy, and the energy we personally send out into the Universe radiates back into our lives.
World-transforming leaders are willing to internalize following facts:
You cannot change the world alone, but you can change yourself.
Your thoughts and actions become your reality, and the energy you radiate/send out is definitely coming back to you.
You can always set an example to other individuals, despite of your formal status.
Transformative leadership requires authenticity, self-discipline, and assertiveness.
Surround yourself with individuals with whom you resonate, people who support you and people who you support.
Express gratitude, and be thankful for all lessons in your life. Both the positive, and the less positive.
Learn to BALANCE your life. Easier said than done, but do your best! Many (aspiring) leaders work too hard, and too much, resulting in various health problems.
Remember, you are a HUMAN BEING (a spiritual being in a human body), not a HUMAN DOING (a spiritual doing in a human body). As energetic as you may be, no smart leader does everything alone. Smart leaders take care of themselves both physically and mentally, because a smart leader realizes that GOOD PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH lead to better results in the long run. It is not egoistic to take care of yourself. It is essential, because people around you do sense your energy. If you are about to lead and transform the world by involving other individuals, you need to be in balance with yourself first.
Learn to TRANSFORM challenging situations into POSITIVE outcomes. Let the energy flow freely. Your positive energy radiates onto, and into, other individuals as well.
Finally, I am happy to share with you some quotes about CHANGING THE WORLD:
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world”.
(Harriet Tubman)
“January Sky”. Photo: Anne-Maria Yritys. 2015).
“Don’t underestimate the power of your vision to change the world. Whether that world is your office, your community, an industry or a global movement, you need to have a core belief that what you contribute can fundamentally change the paradigm or way of thinking about problems”.
(Leroy Hood)
“If Changing the World Signifies Being Foolish, Then I am More Than Happy to be a Fool”
I was inspired to write this post for several reasons:
Inspiration is something that makes me tick, and something I personally welcome into my life each and every day.
Other inspirational people empower me, those, who always rise above their fears, insecurities, and challenges.
I have noticed, throughout my life, and my career, how much people need inspiration and encouragement. Every single day, I interact with other professionals, who either doubt themselves or humanity, and who need to be encouraged in order to have faith in themselves and in humanity.
Inspiration is equal to being connected with your soul, and your true purpose in life. We all experience less perfect days, but by connecting to source, finding meaning and purpose in our lives, and connecting to people who inspire, empower and believe in us, we can, and should have, faith in ourselves and in humanity.
I would like to share with you a story about staying motivated, and not giving up, even though things and circumstances may seem tough, or even rough at times, when people let us down, and we sometimes are about to lose faith in humanity. I do not know the origin of the story, but it is being widely spread online by different people:
ONE DAY I DECIDED TO QUIT
“I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality… I wanted to quit everything.
I went to the woods to have a talk with Spirit.
“Spirit”, I asked,
“Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”.
The response surprised me…
“Look around”, Spirit said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?
“Yes”, I replied.
“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. Yet, I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. I still did not quit on the bamboo.
“In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed, but I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit.”
“Then, suddenly, in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant…But only 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.”
Spirit asked me: “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots”.
“I would not quit on the bamboo, and I will never quit on you.”
“Don’t compare yourself to others.” Spirit continuet.”The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful.””Your time will come”, Spirit said to me.
“You will rise high”.
“How high should I rise?” I asked.
“How high will the bamboo rise?” Spirit asked in return.
“As high as it can?” I questioned.”Yes.” He said, “Give Me glory by rising as high as you can.”
I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that Spirit will never give up on
you. Never, Never, Never, Give up.
Don’t tell Spirit how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great Spirit is”!
(Little Asian Girl With Computer At Home. Artist: pat138241. Freedigitalphotos.net. 280513)
Take a profound look at the photo above. Do you recognize this girl? She could be you, your daughter, me, or any one of us. Realizing this and the fact that we are all interconnected is integral in our growth and development into a truly humanitarian world, where leadership is based upon living and leading according to virtues and selflessness, rather than merely fulfilling the often evil needs of the ego. Learning to observe other individuals as a part of ourselves is a key factor in our willingness to express love, and compassion, towards other human beings. Mirroring ourselves in other people enhances our spiritual growth, as we realize that we receive what we do send out to others.
The girl on the photo above is one of all 1,9 billion children worldwide. She isone of our future leaders. The continuous growth of young population worldwide presents us with an ever-increasing, huge potential for greatness enabling us to develop the world into a positive direction, focusing upon virtuous leadership qualities, individuals growing and developing into responsible leaders who focus on creating sustainability and thus developing stable economies across the world.
Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders throughout the history of mankind, already long ago highlighted:
“Education is the most powerful catalyst for change in the world”.
Through education we are given the opportunity to improve, and to influence, the course of evolution. Education is not only a privilege for a certain amount of children – it is a basic human right for every child in this world. Nevertheless, in today´s world, an estimated amount of 57 million children worldwide do not have access even to primary schooling, due to a number of reasons contextual to poverty. In certain geographical regions, there is an immense shortage of teachers. This is especially the case in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Child labor is another reason for children being denied access to education. Although child labor has decreased, currently an estimated amount of 168 million children are part of the global workforce. This alarming number is an actual problem that needs to be resolved, and we are all driving forces in allowing this positive change to take place.
Every child has the right to education, to a safe childhood, and to at least one responsible adult taking care of them. If this particular adult is having problems with raising a child according to the Rights of the Child, he or she needs support, education, and interaction from adults who possess a larger amount of awareness and wisdom in regard with this. A child, not knowledgeable about his or her rights, needs support and protection from responsible adults.
Child labor and a shortage of education lead to multidimensional problems across our globe. Solving these problems across societies is possible, and will quickly lead to improvements that benefit us all:
Education is helpful in decreasing poverty, increasing both welfare and justice in the world.
Education allows us to develop a more balanced world, where sustainable economic development can be created and maintained.
Abolishing child labor and granting every child the possibility of having a childhood also leads to a world where an increased amount of adult population has access to work. The major industry employing children is agriculture (almost 100 million children involved), followed by the services sector (54 million), and industry (12 million). In addition, there is an estimated amount of 300.000 child soldiers in our world today. The APAC region (Asia and the Pacific), employs an estimated amount of 78 million children, followed by Sub-Saharan Africa (59 million), Latin America and the Caribbean (13 million), and Middle East and North Africa with 9 million. Would you send your own children to work while personally staying at home? Could you imagine seeing your own child, or children in your neighborhood, being forced to become child soldiers? However much this may sound as a cliche, the capability of putting ourselves in the shoes of others, even thinking about our personal childhoods, helps us understanding that we are all responsible for helping children of this world.
Education allows us to create and to build a better future, a future where children of today become responsible adults of tomorrow, making better decisions, and developing humanity into a greater state than the reality we are living in today.
How does this involve businesses, and business decision-makers? In EVERY possible way!
Responsible organizations all over the world, global enterprises, multinationals, but also small business owners, understand the importance of developing sustainable business practices, reducing poverty through participation in the creation of a balanced global economy, and the implementation of a CSR strategy together with an action plan in all activities, including at least following major factors:
The definition of what CSR (corporate social responsibility) signifies in the first place.
In all business activities, making sure that the CSR strategy is successfully actualized, especially in terms of supply chain and human resources management. In other words, this signifies a transparency in all business activities, making sure that no child labor is involved at any stage of production processes.
Efficient and thorough communication of the CSR strategy to all stakeholders, including business owners, shareholders, employees, customers – anyone, who is involved in the activities of the organization.
Mankind is more peaceful than ever throughout its history. Despite of this, we are faced with severe societal problems that need to be resolved. An increasingly globalized world and technological evolution, where access to information has become easier than ever for the majority of world population, together enhance and help us in the development of increasingly sustainable economies, where every child has, not only the right, but also the possibility, to a childhood it deserves, and where every adult has access to work, and being part of the global labor force – working together for the development of a sustainable, flourishing global economy.
More information, detailed reports, and numbers are available through a number of sources, including the following:
Thank you for taking the time for reading, liking, commenting, and sharing this article! Together we can drive essential changes and be catalysts for positive improvements, and development, on a global level.
Your participation, and becoming part of a global change and development movement, is extremely valuable.
Keep in mind:
“You are not a drop in the ocean – you are the entire ocean, in a drop” (Rumi).
Every voice counts and every positive action is needed.
Anne-Maria Yritys 
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