International Women’s Day – Understand the WHY through Global Women’s Leadership Network
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated each year on March 8 and this year the theme is #EachforEqual.
Centered around taking action for equality and raising awareness against bias, IWD 2020 sees a number of missions celebrating women’s achievements. Often, we ask HOW to get involved. But, through Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), we focus on the WHY of getting involved to empower women.
GWLN, a program to advance women in leadership established by World Council of Credit Unions in 2009, unites members, sister society leaders, volunteers and supporters who understand WHY getting involved to advance women matters.
The why may differ for each woman engaged and connected through GWLN. Or, we may find there are similarities for some. Why?
Gisele Gomes, Sister Society leader from Brazil, says that in the beginning the involvement with GWLN was part of her job as a consultant, working between World Council and its Brazilian member Sicredi. Shortly after establishing the first Sister Society (a local chapter of credit union women) in Brazil, “I could finally answer the powerful question: WHY. Because I have a passion for working with and for other women, I understand myself much better, I create an impact in the world and I learn that other lives are changing for the better. Because of GWLN, many women are making their voices heard and making choices for themselves.”
Dana Zamora, Sister Society leader from Colorado says, “Each conference and event was a great learning and growing experience for me. I not only made new friends, I established new resources and added new tools to my working toolbox.”
Ida Rosette Ocampo, Chief Officer, Administration at the Barangka Credit Cooperative and leader of the GWLN Sister Society in Marikina City, Philippines, shares her WHY moment: “We see the need to continue balancing, empowering and advancing women leadership in credit unions, where growth and progress are essential tools to nurture with the potential to transform and change lives of others through volunteerism.”
Why? Involvement with GWLN celebrates women’s achievements.
Why? Enables you to become a resource for other women.
Why? Empowers women to advocate for greater gender balance in leadership roles.
One thing for all engaged and connected to GWLN, International Women’s Day goes way beyond one day of celebration.
GWLN membership is open to all women and men in the credit union industry. To learn more, visit GWLN, donate or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
