What kind of world?

I envision a world in which we are all allowed to ‘be’. A space where creativity is expressed freely and divergence of opinion is embraced. I want to make changes where I see injustice, to uplift other women. I see a world where women, are not afraid and are able to live to their highest potential with boundless opportunities. All may not be well; there is much ugliness in the world today but there are a lot of things that are right with the world and we should not forget the beauty that exists, if only we are brave enough to stand up for it.

Ubuntu/Hunhu is an African concept of humanity encompassing elements of family, ethics, morals and values. Translated it means, ‘I am, because we are’. As such every other person is your concern. Their joy is your joy; their pain is your pain. Hopes and dreams, tragedies and fears are shared experiences. We have lost ourselves to selfishness and greed. We should all take the time to care, to be courageous, to remove the barriers between us because we cannot do anything meaningful alone. We need to return to the essence what really matters in life.

We often allow things happen, watching mutely, but knowing this is wrong or this shouldn’t be this way. Obviously someone will come along and sort it out. It’s always someone else’s problem, someone else’s responsibility. But it’s not is it? It's up to you, up to me. When we all raise our collective voice, the roar becomes too loud to be ignored and change will come.

I would like to live a life of immersion, to be ‘present’, everything I do should serve a greater purpose outside of myself. Being a Voices of our Future correspondent would enable me to play a greater part in highlighting issues in my community, both locally and globally. It would afford a platform for connecting, sharing, learning and teaching. There are too many untold stories and a conspiracy of silence abounds. This needs to shift if we are to see positive and significant changes in our societies. Each of us may only be able to change a small part but the sum total of those parts can rewrite the future. We need to be the spark that starts the fire.

The World Pulse community is a welcoming environment, full of people who are connecting, sharing their innate wisdom, their vision and taking a stand for themselves and for their communities. As we draw on each other as valuable resources; we are mentors, leaders, mother, daughters, sisters, and friends. We have what it takes to right the inequalities of the past, to change the present and to bring about positive change for future generations. In this way we can advocate for the vulnerable who cannot stand up for themselves, we can say enough is enough to retrogressive socio-cultural practices, we can improve the quality of life for many in our societies and ultimately we can save lives.

Each of us has a responsibility. Making an impact goes beyond whether or not I become a Voices of Our Future correspondent. The most important lesson I have learnt is that if you say or write something, anything…….someone, somewhere will hear it. Your words matter. I have been truly humbled to have people read my journal and to read about the varied experiences of women (and some men too) from all over the world. This is only the beginning of greater things to come. I believe everyone has something to offer in their life. My voice is my gift to the world. I cannot save the world but my voice can be counted. In my own life, in my own small way.