The Tribune

By MICHELLE MILLER

AS WOMEN celebrate National Women’s Week – under the theme “Women and the Environment: Creating Partnerships for Sustainable Development” - it is important to note that the focal point of any sustainable development begins with a positive social change.

At a time of massive environmental change and shifting social paradigms, it is imperative that the voices of women speak in unison as advocates for social policies that ignite and sustain social harmony.

Leading women across the world at governmental and non-governmental levels recognise that the true testament of any sustained development is reflected in the present social disposition of their society. An environment in which there is persistent social discord reflects the need for more specific social intervention that embodies innovation and specific desired outcome.

The degree to which the latter is missing is an opportunity for women to stand as advocates for social change. Using their voice to engender a new social paradigm, women can play a more fundamental role in shaping our social environment.

Moreover, it must be recognised that those who are economically deprived or marginalised are without the means to effect any sustained social change in their own lives. They are in need of the essential social skills, tools and emotional support that enables them to pull their lives up by their boot straps.

The old paradigm of social development and programmes focused on “fixing” the situation must give way to more innovative interventions that address the underlying mental state. Albert Einstein said: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

No doubt we agree that the current social trajectory demands a new agenda that promotes justice, freedom and equality. Social responsibility is everyone’s business. We are obliged to ensure that we help the less fortunate, protect the most vulnerable and campaign for the education and wellbeing of children.

Socially conscious women of the world, even from the poorest of communities, are collectively using their influence to defend dignity, fight poverty and champion programmes that strengthen the social fabric of their societies. We, too, have to pick up the social baton and use our voices in similar ways.

Leader to leader, as we celebrate this week of activities to mark National Women’s Week, it is my hope that women across these beautiful islands and the world are encouraged and empowered to use their voices as advocates for social change. May we be reminded of our inherent social obligation and lift our voices to produce an improved social environment.

The reality is a thriving society can only be realised through an improved social order. In so doing, we give ourselves the best shot at living an empowered life.

• Michelle M Miller is a certified Life-Coach and Communication Expert. Questions or comments can be emailed to coaching242@yahoo.com or telephone 429-6770 or visit www.michellemmiller.com or snail mail to PO Box CB-13060.