Nelson Mandela founded The Elders in 2007 to bring independent global leaders together to continue the work for peace, justice and human rights. Over the past year, The Elders have been exploring the "State of Hope" through a series of digital talks. I want to share some of The Elders Chair Mary Robinson’s speech with you because I found it inspiring and a helpful reminder that we must look inward to be the force for hope and change.
Read MoreWomen Leaders Who Are Redefining What Power Looks Like
This week, I’m sharing some of the inspiring stories of women around the world who are stepping up to challenge inequality at its roots by putting themselves forward as leaders in government. In many ways, these women are redefining what power can look like and I, like so many others, am excited about the differences they can and will make as leaders.
Read More'This Decision Is Not Only a Requiem for Abortion Rights, It's Also a Requiem for the Court.'
Hope In Action: The Dream of Educating Afghan Girls Lives On
This week, I want to share two success stories because I think we all could use a little good news. You may remember a few weeks ago I shared with you some details about the current dire situation for Afghani women and girls under Taliban rule. Hope is alive in the hearts of Dr. Sakena Yaccobi and Shabana Basij-Rasikh, two women activists who are working to educate girls, in spite of the enormous challenges that both face.
Read MoreBurnout Is a National Crisis. Let's Do Something About it.
Remember when one of the buzzwords at the start of the Covid pandemic was ‘reset’? I used it a lot as I tried to frame the dramatic changes we were all experiencing in the ways we lived and worked, especially during lockdowns and travel bans. Sadly, for way too many of our friends, families and colleagues, this time of isolation has been far from a positive reset. In fact, we are seeing evidence every day that mental and emotional struggles have increased, and families and businesses have had to respond.
Read MoreNew Podcast Interview: 'Showing Up for Women Everywhere'
In this episode of the Ending Domestic Abuse podcast, I talk with Dr. Ludy Green and share my story as a producer, CEO, abuse survivor, and advocate for women's rights and gender equality. We discuss how some of the lessons I learned and shared in my book, Becoming a Dangerous Woman, can help all women not only achieve our own goals, but also serve as role models and pillars of support for other women in our communities and across the world.
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Getting arrested at #FireDrillFridays with my granddaughter on Dec. 20, 2019 inside the Hart Senate Office Building.
Righteous Anger Can Be the Jet Fuel for Activism
As difficult as it is not to let fear, disappointment, and despair overcome you, we can’t sit on the sidelines. To be dangerous means to be willing to speak up, to stand up, and to get angry when events call for it. And taking action is a form of hope.
Read MorePassport to Purpose: The Soul Reason We Travel
Deborah Calmeyer launched ROAR AFRICA 16 years ago with a vision to curate retreats that harness the power of nature to facilitate deeply spiritual journeys for participants. Over the years, she has gained keen insight into how experiences in the wild can positively impact the human psyche and inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves.
Read MoreWebinar: 'Become a Dangerous Woman' with Pat Mitchell & Crystal Andrus Morissette
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining the founder of the S.W.A.T. Institute, Crystal Andrus Morissette, for an interview. We talked about a topic that is very dear to my heart — Becoming a Dangerous Woman.
Read MoreUnite for Joy!
In these deeply troubled times, now, more than ever, we are all in need of an antidote to despair. The lived experiences of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama serve as an amazing example of the power of JOY in the face of adversity, and the JOY of their friendship is a sustaining force for all of us.
Please consider joining me and more than 300 million others around the world on Thursday, June 2nd, for a unique event that will lift your spirits and restore you faith in the healing power of JOY.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Office of Archbishop Desmond Tutu invite you to participate in a unique global experience — joining 300 million people in a worldwide screening of the documentary film Mission: JOY - Finding Happiness in Troubled Times.
'Prayers are not enough. Silence is unacceptable. Taking action is necessary.'
I call on the global community of women, and especially now American women—mothers, wives, sisters, colleagues—to lead whatever actions are necessary to put reasonable, compassionate leaders into the positions where the decisions about gun safety are made. This means campaigning against the political leaders who kowtow to the companies and vocal minority, and putting forward reasonable, compassionate leaders in their place. Prayers will not make this happen.
Read More'Please do not forget us" - the women of Afghanistan
Dr. Sakena Yacoobi is one of Afghanistan’s most honored and deeply committed women leaders. She founded and leads the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), an organization that provides education, health, social and economic programming to Afghan women. In August, when the Taliban retook power in her country, she made an urgent plea to me and all other women around the world: "Please do not forget us."
Read More'What If Our Best Times Are Ahead of Us?'
Even asking such a question in these troubling times may seem preposterous, but we must to imagine the future we want to see. This week, I'm writing about Indigenous voices and climate justice.
Read MoreListen to My Conversation with Tracy Holland on the 'Potential to Powerhouse' Podcast
I had the pleasure of talking this past week with Tracy Holland on her podcast “Potential to Powerhouse.” The mission of the PtoP podcast is to spur the next generation of female entrepreneurs and women trailblazers. We talked about my upbringing, my career and some of the pressures I faced as a woman in media. I hope you’ll listen!
Read More'We will not be quiet, and we will not go back'
I am preparing, sadly but with sustained passion, for the frontline struggles we face to reclaim these rights as essential to the full equality for women which I believe is also essential for a healthy, sustainable family, community, country and world.
Read MoreUrgent Action Needed this week for the ERA
The century long fight for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is on the precipice of full success, but your voice is needed.
Read MoreConnecting Women Leaders to Build Bridges For Change
There has never been a greater need for a commitment to serve others, to use our power and privilege as leaders to connect, collaborate, and lead for change. Are we doing enough to confront the global challenges that sometimes feel insurmountable?
Read MoreCelebrating the Joy of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's Confirmation
I started off this year in this blog reflecting on the importance of spreading joy during these dark times. That's why this week, I want to share some thoughts and amplify the joy that so many of us are feeling about our new Supreme Court Justice.
Read More'Our resistance, like our future victory… has a particularly feminine face'
Shortly after Russia began its attack on Ukraine, First Lady Olena Zalenska sent out an urgent appeal to other first ladies of the world asking them to support the women and children refugees who were fleeing her country. They heeded her call.
Read MoreMadeleine Albright: "On Being a Woman and a Diplomat"
I am so saddened by the loss of Madeleine Albright. In 1993, she was appointed by President Clinton to represent the United States at the United Nations and in 1997, she became the first woman to serve as US Secretary of State, making her the highest-ranking woman in the history of American government at the time. Secretary Albright was a brilliant, funny woman who once told me that “far from being a ‘soft’ issue,” women's issues are often the very hardest ones, dealing directly with life and death.
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