Who's in Charge of Our Future?

Empowering a joint custody world co-created by men and women of all diversities!

In a world of conflict in many arenas, economically, socially, and within families, I recognize the need for new narratives. However, the core narrative I propose begins at the fetal entry point - a natural biological procreation baseline - to seed the growth of uniqueness and similarity, and to value the core union of male and female, masculine and feminine, in a synergy mix to power up the authentic harmony I propose to take charge of our own lives.

Since the lockdown in 2020, my wise tribe of men and women has been attracted to the notion of 'joint custody' gender dynamics intelligence and harmony. We have explored various levels of new narratives in our Wisdom Circles. These tribe members encompass men and women of diverse groups, generations, cultures, workplaces, ethnicities, skin colors, and sexual preferences, all working towards resolving conflicts based on gender. Our goal is a future that strives for authentic gender harmony and joint custody responsibility.

We find that equality is not just a women's issue or even a gender issue; it's a societal goal that demands the participation of all diverse individuals who contribute to the human race as a whole.

In this edition of The Lighthouse Newsletter, let's explore a transformative integrated movement: "Engaging Male Advocates and Men's Voices" in the ongoing quest for 'Authentic Gender Harmony for Women and Men.' This is our mission, to shed light on how we can reshape the landscape, bringing not only harmony, happiness, and good health, but also innovative systemic transformations in businesses and economies that value people for who they are and what they do best.

It's a tall order, but one that we must address in every country and company today.

What if we changed our approach to leadership by 'asking the right questions' rather than demanding and controlling 'the right' outcomes, without regard for different and imaginative perspectives?

Can we shape the future with healthy emotional gravity and heartfelt healing powers, paving the way for a prosperous destiny that is not greedy or cruel?

The Role of Men in Advancing Our Mission:

As the co-creation theme of our World Wisdom Circle expands to express this movement for authentic harmony amidst the confusion of gender dysphoria, we emphasize the indispensable role that men and male advocates play in the journey toward authentic harmony. By actively engaging men in conversations and actions aimed at empowering women and addressing gender disparities, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society. It's time for male voices to harmonize with women's voices in advocating for equal opportunities, access to finance, and support for women entrepreneurs.

Unequal Impact of Crises on Women:

Economic and social crises, including pandemics, lockdowns, and financial crashes, have consistently inflicted a disproportionate toll on women. Women often encounter greater challenges in securing funding, accessing technology, and receiving family support during these challenging times. The burning question arises: Are women not as important as men? The unequivocal answer is that women are equally important, and addressing these disparities is paramount to achieving genuine authentic gender harmony.

In my role as the Permanent Chairperson of the Commission for Female Entrepreneurs and Social Issues for WUSME – World Union of Small and Medium Enterprises, I have been gathering feedback from a few of my member countries and what is happening for female entrepreneurs in Indonesia, Myanmar, Africa, and my own experiences I have had in the UK, Malaysia, and now the USA.

I am so grateful to my colleagues across the globe. As I read their views and added my own and those of my further network of women in Asia, South America, North America, the UK, Europe, and Africa; we observe similar situations occurring, and depending on the economies of any country - and yet… Our main conclusion is women always come off worse personally, financially, and health wise yet they add major collective GDP value to every economy, are valuable assets in family settings, and are very good leaders of needed community care and social affairs.

Why do we continue to put this agenda second and make women a wasted resource? It makes no sense to most women…and many wise men! STOP the waste and START an Inclusive Harmonious Balanced 'Joint Custody' Future.

1. Promote Gender-Inclusive Policies: Governments and institutions must implement and enforce policies that promote Authentic Harmony Communications (AHC) Skills as integral to any Gender Equality/Empowerment programs across all sectors, encouraging active male involvement in supporting women's economic and social empowerment.
2. Financial Inclusion for Women: Create targeted financial inclusion programs to provide women entrepreneurs with easy access to capital, loans, and financial literacy training. Encourage fair and equal opportunities for women in securing funding.
3. Technology Access: Bridge the digital divide by ensuring women have equal access to technology and training as men do, promoting their participation in high-tech industries.
4. Formalization of Women-Owned SMEs: Support women in transitioning from informal to formal business operations, simplifying registration processes, and providing legal protections similar to those offered to men.
5. Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns and cultural sensitivity training with men and women to break down societal barriers and stereotypes that hinder women's economic participation.
6. Support for Work-Life Balance: Develop policies that support work-life balance, including affordable childcare options and flexible work arrangements, and encourage men to share in home duties.
7. Research and Data Collection: Invest in research and data collection to understand the specific challenges women face in various regions and sectors and bring this awareness to the forefront, ensuring equal representation of men and women.
8. Engaging Men as Allies: Encourage men to actively engage as allies in the fight for authentic gender harmony through mentorship and advocacy programs.

At this stage, I propose achieving Authentic Harmony Communication (AHC) as a collective endeavor requiring the commitment of all genders, governments, institutions, and civil society. The unequal impact of crises on women underscores the urgency of addressing gender disparities and creating a more equitable world. Women are as important as men, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure equal opportunities and empowerment for all.

Paving the Way for Systemic Change:

It is imperative to underscore the pressing need for systemic change that not only acknowledges the inherent value of women but actively fosters an environment where their entrepreneurial talent thrives. Women's contributions to economies worldwide are undeniable, significantly enhancing GDP in all countries. However, to fully harness this potential and recognize women as invaluable investments for growth, we must advocate for a paradigm shift.

Recognizing the Monetary Value of Women in GDP:

When women's economic participation is fully recognized and supported, it translates into substantial monetary value added to GDP. Countries that harness the entrepreneurial energy and skills of women have consistently witnessed impressive economic growth. It is evident that women are not merely contributors but catalysts for economic advancement. Therefore, it is time to recognize women not just as beneficiaries but as indispensable agents of economic development.

Investing in Women as a Catalyst for Growth:

If women are valued as investments in growth, it becomes apparent that we must direct greater attention and resources toward funding, technology support, and infrastructure for women. Investment in women's entrepreneurship is an investment in a prosperous future for all. It stimulates innovation, fuels economic expansion, and nurtures inclusive prosperity.

Fostering an Enabling Environment:

Creating an enabling environment for female entrepreneurs goes beyond rhetoric; it necessitates concrete action from the top of organizations, communities, and traditional institutions. We must prioritize policies and initiatives that actively empower women, from providing access to affordable capital to bridging the digital divide. The systemic change we advocate for entails not just breaking barriers—organizational and cultural—but also building bridges for women to access opportunities as easily as men do in every sector, including technology and innovation.

A Call to Action:

In conclusion, let us consider this not merely as a statement but as a call to action. The time has come for governments, institutions, businesses, and individuals to recognize the undeniable value that women bring to the table alongside men. We must invest in their talents, support their aspirations, and remove the systemic obstacles that hinder their progress. By doing so, we pave the way for a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived authentic harmony reality, and where the economic potential of women is fully harnessed for the benefit of society at large, and especially for shaping a healthy, wealthy future for men too.

I stand committed to championing these principles, collaborating with partners worldwide, and leading the charge toward a more equitable, prosperous, and inclusive world where women's endeavors flourish with men, adding not only value to GDP but also shaping a brighter future for us all.

Let's light the way towards a brighter future, where all voices are heard, and all genders stand united for authentic harmony in all situations and desired outcomes.

JOIN OUR WORLD WISDOM CIRCLE (MONTHLY 2ND WEDNESDAY) ON OCTOBER 11TH, 8 AM - 9:30 AM PST

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Dr Pauline Crawford , serves as the Chief Vision Officer of Corporate Heart International, G100 Global Chair for Positive Masculinity, President of the Rotary Club of Global Impact, and is a respected author and speaker on 'The Power of Authentic Harmony.' With a vision for the future that aims to crack the traditional leadership code, my mission is to co-create a healthy high-performance culture of authentic harmony between men and women in all aspects of life. Join me as we work towards a more inclusive, balanced, and harmonious world."

If you are a leader seeking a new success narrative for your corporate culture, book our keynote workshop for you and your top team Cracking the Leadership Code – raising your potential success 100% when you lead a mixed gender diverse culture.