Courage. Conviction. Compassion. These words guide me. Perhaps, it’s because I remember meeting a leader whose embodiment of them inspired me onward as a human-rights advocate in a world that’s not always easy navigating as a native of the Global South.
Winnie Byanyima understands that feeling. I think it’s safe to say we’ve both felt that. Despite it all she pushes forward for social justice.
I see where this executive director of Oxfam International, and former co-lead (her words) of mine, gets her passion. She grew up in Uganda with a mother who hid girls trying to escape early, forced marriages and with a father who has been arrested fighting to help the marginalized. Then, at 18, she fled Uganda during a tenuous political climate.
The daughter, sister, wife, mother, refugee, leader and friend has taught me how to push boundaries, rise above and step outside of what’s expected. With experience as an engineer, Ugandan Parliamentarian and co-founder of the Global Gender and Climate Alliance, she has challenged me to be accountable and intentional.
So, as the CEO of Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, I’m working with my colleagues — in Canada and in our six country offices — to challenge our thinking. We’re considering how we can use courage, conviction and compassion to push aside the status quo and drive forward with clear intent.
We need to make sure we’re aptly representing the children, families and communities we are working with to create positive change. That means asking ourselves tough questions so we can make greater global change to “end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against children.” (Sustainable Development Goal, target 16. 2).
To do that, we have to believe. As Winnie has said in a recent Power with Purpose video by Devex, a global aid and development social enterprise: “Follow your heart, do what is just, make mistakes and learn from them.” That’s what we intend to do.
Stay tuned to learn more as we take this next step in our journey. As always, we’re determined in our vision to create a world where every child has a voice and the ability to achieve their full potential.