Global Women Leaders Call for Gender Equality & Compassion at Youth Summit

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Global women leaders, including former Vice President Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr and Ms. Asmita Satyarthi, joined forces during the Youth Summit’23 on Human Fraternity and Compassion in India. They passionately addressed the urgent need to bridge the gender divide and encouraged men to actively engage in this vital conversation.

At the heart of this gathering was the central theme of compassion, framed within the context of women's roles in leadership. Ms. Asmita Satyarthi, Managing Trustee of Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, expressed the importance of men standing alongside women. She acknowledged her mother's pivotal role beside her father, highlighting the need for male support in achieving gender equality.

Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr furthered the discussion by drawing a parallel between women in leadership and the nurturing qualities of mothers. She explained that women in power often think about everyone's needs and emphasized the essential role women play in fostering compassion.

On the societal front, Dr. Nahla Al-Saeedi and youth icon Prajakta Koli shared their experiences and perspectives. Dr. Nahla highlighted the significance of educational institutions in raising awareness of women's rights and assisting women in overcoming challenges. She emphasized that true societal prosperity requires equal contributions from both men and women.

Prajakta Koli, known for her role as a social media content creator and her collaboration with UNDP India on climate change, spoke about her ability to influence her community through social media for actionable change. She equated compassion with equality, underlining its importance in addressing various issues.

The Youth Summit on Human Fraternity and Compassion is a three-day event held in Viratnagar, Rajasthan, from September 30th to October 2nd, 2023. This summit serves as a platform for global thought leaders, youth influencers, pioneers of human fraternity, religious leaders, decision-makers, and change agents to come together.

Organized by the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion (SMGC), a movement initiated by Kailash Satyarthi, the summit aims to promote compassion across various aspects of society, including education, business, and government. It also seeks to build bridges between different cultures and religions while fostering peace and understanding globally.

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, a prestigious global award with a monetary prize of USD 1 million, recognizes and celebrates individuals and institutions dedicated to breaking down societal divisions and strengthening human connections.

This annual award ceremony aligns with the UN-recognized International Day of Human Fraternity, observed on February 4th. This gathering of global women leaders and influencers highlights the urgency and significance of their message in building a more inclusive and equitable society.