Changing Mindsets, Transforming Lives

“It can’t be done.”

“We can’t do anything .”

“That’s the way it is, the way it should be”.

I hear them often. I hear them every time there are changes that need to be done especially those that require a shift from traditional practices and leadership structures to a genuinely democratic and participatory governance. I hear them from community folks who have been accustomed to government neglect and have embraced poverty as a way of life where there is no way out but to live with it from one generation to another.

Unfortunately, I hear them from educated and influential people who are in the position to introduce social and political reforms yet deny the possibility of change because they enjoy the perks and are addicted to the trappings of power.

These “can’t do” attitudes and negative mindsets are the barriers to creating change in my community. These challenges aren’t new and have found out that the best way to overcome them is through awareness and consciousness raising.

The gender sensitivity trainings that we have conducted for hundreds of women and men from local government units and village councils enabled the participants analyze their situation and reflect on the roles and potentials of people of different ethnicity, sexual orientations, age and abilities. Skills building of grassroots leaders on democratic participation allowed them to assert their rights to participate and pursue their development agenda. Organizing community based groups to address violence against women and their children emboldened the marginalized sectors to find and implement solutions to domestic violence.

Sharing our personal stories among my “roscas” sisters, dreaming and working with them make our journey to economic and personal empowerment less difficult.

My skills are limited. The challenges are daunting. However, at Pulsewire, there’s a wealth of resources generated by women and for women empowerment waiting to be accessed and referred to groups who need them. I hope I can offer my services by becoming a Listener in the future. I love listening to the voices of women from different parts of the world. I identify with many, feels sad for some and firmly believes that our resounding voices can rock the world and open the halls of power to women. I also wish to connect with my Pulsewire sisters from the Philippines and who knows what a bunch of “pulsewired” women can do.