October 8, 2024
Equality Starts with Us: Leading the Way | Inclusive Plug RE:IMAGINE Episode 1
As the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Manager at RECONOMY, I am constantly seeking creative ways to engage and educate people about the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Inspired by the timeless message of hope and unity in my dad’s favorite song “Imagine” by The Beatles, I suggested naming the new series of Inclusive Plug: RE:IMAGINE.
RE:IMAGINE is not just another information channel – it’s a space where we dare to dream of a world where gender equality and social inclusion are not a distant aspiration but a tangible reality. Through thought-provoking discussions, inspiring stories, and insightful interviews, RE:IMAGINE aims to ignite conversations, challenge perceptions, and drive action toward a more equitable society.
For our inaugural episode, I chose to dedicate it to the theme of International Women’s Day in 2024: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” This theme resonates deeply with me and correlates with the values of RECONOMY as it underscores the urgent need to prioritize investments in women and girls to accelerate progress toward green and inclusive economic development.
Our first distinguished guest is Petra Tötterman Andorff, Secretary General of Kvinna Till Kvinna. Together we explore the pivotal role of support systems – whether it’s mentorship, access to education, or financial empowerment – in enabling women to flourish and reach their full potential.
To drive home the importance of investing in women, I would like to share compelling data that underscores the economic and social benefits of gender equality. For example, studies show that closing the gender gap in workforce participation could boost global GDP by trillions of dollars. Additionally, investing in women’s education and health has been proven to have a multiplier effect, benefiting families, communities, and entire countries.
Of course, every discussion about gender equality typically concludes with a projected timeline for its achievement on a global scale. According to UN Women, at the current pace, it may take up to 286 years to close gaps in legal protection and eliminate discriminatory laws, 140 years for women to achieve equal representation in positions of power and leadership in the workplace, and at least 40 years to attain parity in national parliaments.
Now, I can’t help but interject with a touch of sarcasm about the absurdity of still fighting for women’s rights in the 21st century. Nevertheless, as I aspire to witness gender equality within my lifetime, I recognize that achieving this goal requires the collective effort and commitment of us all. Let’s work together to accelerate progress and make gender equality a reality sooner.
In essence, RE:IMAGINE is more than just a videocast – it’s a call to action, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for change. Together, let’s reimagine a world where everyone can thrive, unencumbered by gender-based barriers or socio-economic backgrounds. Join us on this journey as we dare to dream, inspire, and transform the world, one episode at a time.
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Authors
Nataliia Koshovska
Before joining RECONOMY as a Gender and Social Inclusion Manager, Nataliia, originally from Ukraine, worked within the UN system for 11 years in particular as a staff member of UNFPA and UNICEF in the development and humanitarian contexts. Nataliia is a passionate human rights advocate and focuses professionally on women’s economic empowerment, stereotypes-free education and career choices as well as promotes gender equality and zero tolerance to violence in the corporate sector.
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