DO.’s Post

✨ 16 Days of Activism: Amplifying Women’s Voices in Policy ✨ This week on my Policy360 Substack, I’m marking 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by focusing on a topic close to my heart: women’s voices in policymaking. For those unfamiliar, the 16 Days of Activism is an annual global campaign that runs from 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10th December (Human Rights Day). It’s a time to spotlight the persistent challenges women face and commit to action against gender-based violence. In this week’s newsletter, I’m exploring: 💠 The barriers women face in policymaking, especially in underrepresented communities. 💠 Why lived experience must shape the policies designed to protect and empower women. 💠 Practical ways we can ensure women’s voices are not just heard, but central to creating change. 💌 Subscribe to my Substack to read more and join the conversation: https://lnkd.in/gq8PC7cj If we want a future where every woman’s voice is valued and respected, we need to make sure the people shaping policies are listening. Let’s use these 16 days to reflect, amplify, and take action. Together, we can make change happen. #16DaysOfActivism #Policy360 #WomenInPolicy #GenderEquality #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #PolicyInfluence

💬Women Shaping Series: Women in Social Impact and Advocacy Did you know women make up the majority of community organizers and social advocates globally, yet face significant challenges in scaling their impact? Let’s dive into how women are transforming communities through advocacy: 💡 The Unique Strengths Women Bring: Empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of community needs. 🚀 Global Changemakers: Highlighting initiatives led by women that address climate change, education, and equality. 🔑 How to Start Your Advocacy Journey: Tips on turning passion into purpose through actionable projects and partnerships. Women are not just shaping policy but redefining what it means to lead with impact. Let’s celebrate their achievements and encourage more voices to join the movement. 📢 What’s your take? Share an inspiring story or tag a woman changemaker! 🌟Stay tuned for the next chapter of the Women Shaping Series! #HERISE #Womenempowerment #SHAPING_SERIES #Changemakers #Women #SocialImpact #Advocacy

In every woman’s success, I see a ripple effect that extends far beyond her own achievements. When we step into our power, we don’t just rise alone — we lift up families, communities, and even generations. 🌼 Let’s celebrate the incredible impact of empowered women today and every day. How are you using your strength to uplift those around you? Share your stories in the comments or tag a woman who inspires you! #EmpowerWomen #WomenInLeadership #SheIsLinkedUp #WomenSupportingWomen #InspirationalQuotes

🌍 International Day for the Elimination of violence against Women 🌍 Today, we stand united to protect, support, and advocate for women's right to live free from fear and violence. 💪✨ This fight is not just for women—it’s for all of us. Together, we can build a safer and more equitable world. 🙌💛 💬 Let’s raise our voices: ➡️ Support local and global initiatives. ➡️ Educate and raise awareness among future generations. ➡️ Encourage collective change. 👉 Today, let’s commit to making a difference. What action will you take to support this cause? Share your thoughts in the comments! #StopViolence #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #GenderEquality #Solidarity #WomensRights #NoToViolence

For women, the fear of violence is ever-present—whether they’re taking a late-night journey, running errands, or simply walking through their neighborhood. In our society, women are forced to navigate daily life with this constant fear, even when doing the most basic tasks. Sadly, too often, they remain silent, not speaking out against these injustices. The fear of not being believed or the shame of being blamed can silence many. But it’s time for that to change. This 16 Days of Activism, let’s stand together, raise our voices, and demand a world where women can move freely, confidently, and without fear. Break the silence and end the violence. Stand with women, stand for change! #maitrayana #noexcuses #16daysofactivism #endgbvnow

My politics today is rooted in Love. Inspired by Grace Paley's belief that writing the lives of women is politics, I see supporting a community of women through love, inclusivity, and empowerment as my form of advocacy. Years ago, I refocused my political activism to reach women more personally, to uplift, empower, and create a non-judgmental space where every woman can grow. In a world facing rapid changes, some that may challenge progress for women, we each have a role. What does ‘your politics’ look like? How do you make a difference daily—not just in ideology, but in life? #LevelUp #WomenInLeadership #AdvocacyThroughCommunity"

Did you know that PMS affects up to 80% of women? Knowledge empowers action, and that's why we're supporting Share the Dignity’s 2024 Bloody Big Survey. This survey explores attitudes and experiences surrounding periods, shaping Share the Dignity's advocacy for menstrual equity. Join us in driving change! You can fill out the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gpmT6kyB

In a week that *could* have been a historic first for women in politics in the US but not only wasn't, it seemed misogyny had won out, I've wrestled a lot of emotions this week. And yet today, I wake up more committed than ever to creating spaces for women from all walks of life to thrive. Spaces that are not only safe but regenerative. You see, we need spaces in our society and in our democracy where people can meet across difference and across party lines, spaces with ground rules of respect, in which we can explore challenging questions together, greive injustices and hear each others struggles. And even more than that, we need spaces where across our differences, we can connect to why we are here, what we are here to do, grieve for what has been lost and dream of what we yearn for together. This is what I do. I coach and hold space for women who care, to connect to themselves and each other, to step into making their difference in politics with fire in their hearts, and a sisterhood around them, to keep them going, in the face of a system characterised frankly by rampant misogyny. So yes, today, I recommit myself to care. Care for myself, for my family, for my team, for women in politics and for all those who strive to be part of bringing about care in the world. Because the road is long, but what takes us each step of the way is our values. And right now, care and connection are radical acts that help us reimagine the world as we long for it- for our children and all who follow. Thanks to Tara Sophia Mohr for inspiration in the darkness this week and Hannah Stevens for your feminist leadership always. #UKPolitics #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInPolitics #Care #GenderEquality

The women I know have done the most amazing things - alone. They’ve raised children, escaped violence, built businesses, paid off huge debts working 3 jobs, put themselves through school, cared for aging parents, - you name it they’ve done it - alone. Their resilience and grit and determination blow my mind! And I’ve also witnessed groups of women change laws, build movements for women’s rights, take on injustice and win, transform living conditions for women and children, provide food and shelter for those in need, build legacy businesses that help other women do the same, and lift the burden of life from the shoulders of other women who were slowly sinking. Alone we can change our own lives - we can climb the highest mountain. Together we can transform the world - we can move that same mountain. When you move mountains with other women your life will not only open up for yourself but it will open up for all women in the most healing, powerful and extraordinary way! #WomenEmpoweringWomen #WomenWhoLead #WomenEmpowerment #WomenLeaders #WomenSupportingWomen

Men, our actions shape the world for women. Men who ensure that women feel safe around them have been raised right by their moms. These moms taught their sons to respect women, to listen, and to stand up for what's right. But it's not just about how we were raised. It's about the choices we make every day. How can we as a society ensure that women feel safe? ~ Call out inappropriate behavior or language in everyday situations ~ Make sure women feel comfortable walking home or in public spaces—offer help if needed ~ Be mindful of personal space—respect boundaries without exceptions ~ Speak up when witnessing harassment, even in subtle forms ~ Normalize conversations about consent and respect with friends and family It's not always easy. Sometimes it means having tough conversations or going against the crowd. But that's what real strength is about. We can't change the past, but we can shape the future. Every time we choose to act with respect and kindness, we make the world a little safer for the women in our lives. So let's be the men our moms hoped we'd become. Let's be the change we want to see. Because when women feel safe, everyone wins. What will you do today to make a difference? #thought #respectforwomen #leadership