The struggle to find my identity as a women's rights advocate

In the world today, it feels like it is a whole new challenge that we face as young women’s human rights advocates. When I reflect on the accomplishments of the women’s movement back in the day, it seems they had it all figured out and knew what women needed and what rights had to be fought for. They were so strong and united and made big waves of change.

Women in my country, my region and globally are being treated as second class citizens or as non-rights holders just because they are women. Women’s rights are threatened throughout a woman’s lifespan: from infanticide, to child marriage/labour, to puberty, to abuse/incest, to marital violence, to child birth, to single mothers, to widowhood with many other intersecting realities along the way.

As a woman who has the capacity, skills and knowledge to create positive change for other women who have restricted access, I am constantly questioning my purpose in this world. I echo Jensine’s sentiments of “What now?” and “What is the way forward?” Many issues faced by women are close to my heart especially when she experiences multiple violations of her rights as a result of the intersectionality of her identities. Can you imagine what types of discrimination and inequalities a migrant domestic worker who is a single mother with a disability could potentially experience?
But where do I start to make change? I feel shackled by competing needs and the various possible approaches in addressing the issues faced by women. What exactly is my role in this mass of challenges?

Somewhere in my heart I am being told that start with making it a better place for either a small group of women or a local community. This way, I would be assured that I am channeling my energy and passion towards a change that I can drive slowly but surely. This is where, I now stand. This is where, I will continue my journey as a women’s rights advocate. It is going to be a lifelong journey and learning and I am excited by it.

World Pulse is the platform that will help achieve my dream. I believe that to be a future leader and a woman that is empowered to empower other women, I need to start thinking out loud. I have to build my network. I have to look at the bigger picture of what is happening globally and how it connects to the ground. I want to be motivated, encouraged and awed by the courage and actions of other women’s rights advocates.

Engage, discuss, create, innovate and be a changemaker. Great ideas are generated through consultation and communications and I believe World Pulse is where these can be fostered. I am thrilled to be part of this journey together with the women of the world. This is my access to great ideas that bring about great change for the promotion and protection of women’s human rights.