The Tribune

By MICHELLE M MILLER

Women across the globe are effectively using the power of their voices to advocate for social justice, freedom and equality. Armed with nothing more than keen social responsibility, they help the less fortunate, protect the most vulnerable and campaign for the education and wellbeing of children.

Although their reasons are varied, one truth is self-evident – they understand that while it takes a village to raise a child, it more fittingly takes the voices of women to shape and influence the kind of village in which their children are raised.

As such, conscious women of the world, even from the poorest of communities are collectively using their influence to defend dignity, fight poverty and champion programs that strengthen the social fabric.

While some may dismiss this as a lofty ideal, the question is - when it comes to the voices of women in the Bahamas, are we shaping a village of values or vices - and how are we doing so?

Values are defined as “important and lasting beliefs/ideals shared by the members of a culture about what is good or bad. Values have major influence on a person’s behavior and attitude”.

Vices on the other hand, are described as “forms of dishonest and criminal actions or behaviours in the society. Vices are social problem, acts and conditions that violate societal norms and values”.

Obviously, these two words are opposing: one inspires positive characteristics, the other negative. As such, it is vital to focus on ideals that produce the right kind of social outcome. As such, our purported desire for a better nation must include a clear vision and action strategy.

Considering the myriad of challenges and rising social dysfunction, I find it perplexing that the voices of women have remained loudly silent. Be it on fundamental issues of equality, education reform, social justice or needed consumer protection, women seem to have accepted the right to remain silent.

On one hand, we claim to want to live in a village of hope, but on the other we remain vague in how we direct our voices. Lest we forget, there was an onerous struggle that preceded the inalienable rights we easily took for granted. We stand on the shoulders of giants, valiant women of substance; motivated by sheer commitment to the greater good.

They understood that the power of their voices must give rise to something better. They lived passionately by the ideal that indeed it takes a village to raise a child. However, they also realised that they must first shape the right kind of village.

These women were ardent stewards and effective social gatekeepers, watching out for those who didn’t have the capacity to watch out for themselves. When we consider the soundtrack of their plight and the integrity of their disposition – we must ask ourselves – have today’s women dropped the proverbial ball of social progress?

Indeed, we must introspect and assess our present trajectory. Too often we are seeking an improved outcome without first improving our input. James Allen said: “many are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound”.

Real change begins within. Make today the day that you take the lead and reflect on the direction of your voice; whether it speaks to values or vices. Understand that none of us can dupe life. We each will harvest only according to what we have planted. Any suggestion that anyone can take out more than they actually put in – is surely an illusion.

Let us recognize our inherent social obligation and lift our voices to build a village of values, rather than vices. In so doing, we are better able to honour the creed that it does take a village to raise a child.

Now is the perfect time shift the paradigm.

Michelle M. Miller is a certified Life-Coach, Leadership Expert and Author of Take The Lead. She is the CEO of TTL Coaching Strategies and founder of the Girls Leadership Coaching Club. Questions or comments can be sent to email coaching242@yahoo.com, telephone 429-6770 or visit www.taketheleadbook.com.