Write the change you want to see in the world and let the world know it

Although I have never taken any courses in journalism or writing, I'm an inspiring writer, particularly when it comes to advocating and lobbying for the social issues that revolve around peace and sustainable development. However, for my writing to have any meaningful impact, I'm going to have to reach out and appeal to a certain audience despite the fact that I'm not an employee of a big media firm nor am I someone of great prestige. I’m going to need to build a network of like-minded people who will not only appreciate what I have to say, but who will also share their ideas and experiences with me. I’m going to have to connect with other community organizers so that we may join our forces in an attempt to bring about positive change…

…and there you have it folks—the things that most excite me about Web 2.0. It is a powerful tool of unlimited information sharing that can empower normal people to be and bring on the change they want to see in their world.

Although Web 2.0 can be used in many ways, it can also be used to bring solutions to the global women’s empowerment movement by providing people with a venue to express and share the challenges that women can face when it comes to their empowerment. Web 2.0 as a tool can provide a cheaper way for women to empower themselves through online empowerment courses as well as though information and resource sharing.

Web 2.0 has already empowered me by giving me easy access to information on gender and women empowerment provided through various email lists and blogs. It has also connected me with both women and men who have vast experience in women empowerment initiatives. It has also empowered me to voice my opinions and experiences on the issue through various networks, online forums and message boards. Moreover, I have been able to use social networks to keep in touch and continuously share ideas and take on initiatives with gender activists even though they live in countries far away from my own.

I hope that by further learning about Web 2.0, I will be empowered enough to get more people aware of the importance of women empowerment so that they too will take on initiatives to achieve that goal. I hope to be able to do this especially in my region, the Horn of Africa, which is the most conflict-ridden region in the world. I hope that by increasing women’s empowerment throughout the region, the role of women in bringing peace and sustainable development will be recognized. I hope that by creating women peacebuilders by using Web 2.0 as a tool will allow for peace to be realized in the Horn of Africa.