Mumbai, March 9, 2024: What does it truly mean to foster equity and inclusion in today's professional landscapes? Are we, as a society, ready to confront the systemic barriers that continue to hinder the progress of women in various fields? In an era defined by rapid change and shifting paradigms, how do we navigate the complex terrain of gender discrimination?
These were the questions discussed during a profound dialogue organised by Columbia Global Centers on International Women's Day. The event on gender equity and inclusion, titled "Voices of Change: Fostering Equity and Inclusion," convened a diverse array of luminaries, each wielding their voice as a tool for transformation.
Against the systemic barriers which continue to impede the progress of women across professional landscapes, these voices resonated with an unwavering determination to challenge the status quo. Led by trailblazers from diverse backgrounds, each wielding their unique experiences and insights, the event bore witness to a collective call to action. At the forefront of this movement stood Veronika Didusenko, Gloria Allred, Danielle Hazel, and Tülin Şahin—voices of change, catalysts of hope, and architects of a more inclusive future.
Veronika Didusenko, a name synonymous with resilience and advocacy, took center stage to illuminate the insidious discriminatory practices riddling the beauty pageant industry. Founder of the ‘Right To Be A Mother’ NGO, Didusenko personifies the courage to challenge antiquated norms. "Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth just have to accept that time inexorably moves forward," she declared with unwavering conviction. Her journey, from disqualification as Miss Ukraine for embracing motherhood to spearheading a global movement for change, epitomizes the power of one voice amplified by collective action.
Last year, her Right To Be A Mother initiative achieved lifting restrictions for young mothers by the Miss Universe, the first of the Big Four beauty pageants to do so. Now Didusenko fighting for the Miss World to follow suit, the organization responsible for her disqualification maintains outdated rules.
In tandem with Didusenko's crusade, Gloria Allred, an indomitable force in the realm of women's rights advocacy, delivered a poignant message resonating with moral imperative. "If you have the opportunity to act, you have the desire to act, and you have the ability to act to help others, then that's exactly what you should do," Allred proclaimed, igniting a fervor for justice. With over four decades of unwavering commitment to gender equity, Allred's words serve as a clarion call for action in the pursuit of equality.
Danielle Hazel, a luminary in her own right, lends her voice to the chorus of change as an ambassador for the Right To Be A Mother campaign. For Hazel, the fight transcends mere policy reform; it embodies a seismic shift in societal perceptions of beauty and success. "Our fight is more than just changing a rule; it's about redefining beauty and success for women everywhere," she asserted, infusing the discourse with a sense of purpose and urgency.
Alongside these formidable advocates stands Tülin Şahin, a trailblazing supermodel and ambassador for UNICEF and UN Women. Şahin's illustrious career serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and diversity. "Being a woman in the fashion industry has allowed me to witness firsthand the unifying power of women and fashion," she declared, championing a vision of inclusivity and acceptance that transcends borders and barriers.
As the echoes of these impassioned voices reverberate within the hallowed halls of Columbia Global Centers, one truth emerges resoundingly clear: the beauty pageant industry stands on the precipice of a profound metamorphosis. "Voices of Change: Fostering Equity and Inclusion" served not only as a celebration of progress but also underscored the continuous effort required to ensure that equity and inclusion are not merely ideals but realities for all.
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