New York City – In a powerful display of global unity and commitment to gender equality, the Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies (JAGILS) hosted a hybrid Town Hall during the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Titled “Inspiring Inclusion,” the event brought together a delegation from JAGILS in the Inner Chamber, while associates and partners from around the world joined virtually.
As the world continues its journey towards gender parity, events like these serve as catalysts for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and collective action. Prof. Dr. Samuel Jacobs-Abbey, the Executive Director of JAGILS, set the tone in his opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of this global gathering and the shared commitment to achieving gender equality, empowering women and girls, and fostering an inclusive society that celebrates diversity.
“Today, we are a global community united in our unwavering commitment to achieving gender equality, empowering women and girls, and fostering an inclusive society that celebrates diversity and embraces the richness of our collective human experiences,” Jacobs-Abbey declared, his words echoing through the halls of the United Nations.
Keynote Address: Embracing Inclusion, Breaking Bridges
The keynote speech, delivered by Dr. Grace Faraja Nkundabantu, Executive Director of the African Girls Hope Foundation, struck a resounding chord with the audience. In a powerful statement, Nkundabantu proclaimed, “Embracing inclusion is the start of breaking bridges.” This sentiment resonated deeply, underscoring the importance of actively embracing diversity and dismantling barriers to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Nkundabantu’s words served as a rallying cry, challenging attendees to confront the systemic obstacles that have hindered progress toward true inclusion and to work collectively to dismantle them, one bridge at a time.
Insights from the Panel: Defining True Inclusion
Following the keynote address, a thought-provoking panel discussion ensued, featuring esteemed panelists: Dr. Adama Kalokoh (Executive Director, Impact Sierra Leone), Juliana Ama Kplorfia (Executive Director, Girls Excellence Movement), Margaret Chichi Nkeri (Executive Director, Leadership Empowerment and Development Innovation Initiative Africa), and Odo Serway Apaw (Executive Director, Odo Serwaa Foundation).
Moderated by Engineer Caroline Ingati, Senior Vice President of Student Affairs at JAGILS, the panel delved into the multifaceted nature of inclusion and the collective responsibility required to foster a truly inclusive society.
Ms. Juliana Ama Kplorfia, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Jagils and Executive Director of Girls Excellence Movement (GEM) shared insightful remarks, defining inclusion using the acronym RAIET: Realizing privilege exists, Acknowledging discrimination, Investing in enabling environments, Empowerment through targeted opportunities, and Taking a Stand as a shared responsibility.
Kplorfia’s comprehensive definition underscored the complexities of true inclusion, emphasizing the need for a profound understanding and acknowledgment of societal privileges and systemic barriers. She stressed that embracing inclusion goes beyond merely adding a few representatives from marginalized groups to existing spaces; it requires a deeper commitment to creating enabling environments and empowering individuals to actively participate and contribute.
“Realizing that privilege exists is crucial,” Kplorfia stated, “because it refers to the societal benefits a person enjoys or forfeits simply based on their gender identity.” She highlighted the stark contrast between a man’s ability to seize opportunities without hesitation and a woman’s hesitation due to the disproportionate societal burden of care placed upon her shoulders.
Kplorfia further emphasized the importance of acknowledging discrimination as a daily reality for many, manifesting in various interconnected forms such as ability, gender, race, financial status, and leadership opportunities. “To successfully inspire and act on inclusion, we must accept that women face discrimination in their daily existence,” she asserted, citing examples of pay disparities, unequal opportunities, and the stark contrast in recognition and compensation for achievements, even at the highest levels of competition.
Moving beyond acknowledgment, Kplorfia emphasized the need for deliberate investment in creating enabling environments that foster true inclusion. This includes investing in infrastructure, facilities, laws, and policies that promote dignity and accessibility for marginalized groups, such as making public spaces disability-friendly and implementing gender-responsive policies.
Empowerment through targeted educational opportunities, mentoring, and equipping marginalized groups with the necessary skills, attitudes, tools, and resources was another crucial aspect highlighted by Kplorfia. “Adding a female to the numbers in a high-profile boardroom is not enough if she lacks voting rights or a true voice,” underscoring the importance of empowering individuals to participate and contribute actively.
Lastly, Kplorfia called for a shared responsibility in taking a stand for inclusion, stating, “The privileged must take a stand to speak up for the marginalized, and the marginalized must take a stand to claim their rightful spaces without waiting to be called or asked to speak.”
Insights from the Panel: Defining True Inclusion
The panel discussion featured diverse perspectives from esteemed leaders working towards empowering women and promoting inclusion globally.
Dr. Adama Kalokoh, Executive Director of Impact Sierra Leone, emphasized investing in women’s education and economic empowerment. “When we invest in women, we invest in the future of our communities and nations,” Kalokoh stated. “Education and economic opportunities are key drivers of gender equality and inclusive societies.”
Margaret Chichi Nkeri, Executive Director of the Leadership Empowerment and Development Innovation Initiative Africa, echoed the need for targeted investment. “We must allocate resources and create tailored programs that address the unique challenges faced by women and girls,” Nkeri urged. “Only through intentional investment can we break down systemic barriers and foster true inclusion.”
Odo Serway Apaw, Executive Director of the Odo Serwaa Foundation, highlighted the role of grassroots organizations in inspiring inclusion. “Change begins at the community level,” Apaw asserted. “By empowering women and girls through local initiatives, we can create a ripple effect that transforms mindsets and paves the way for a more inclusive society.”
A Global Movement Towards Inclusion
Organizations such as the African Girls Hope Foundation, Girls Excellence Movement, Leadership Empowerment and Development Innovation Initiative Africa, Odo Serwa Foundation, Impact Sierra Leone, UN Women, UN Civil Society Unit, and the Inspirers Alumni Network have taken up the mantle, actively working to empower women and girls and promote inclusion on a global scale through targeted investment, grassroots initiatives, and tailored programs.
The remarks from Dr. Kalokoh, Ms. Nkeri, and Mr. Apaw underscored the pivotal role of investing in women’s education, economic empowerment, and community-driven initiatives as catalysts for fostering inclusion. Their diverse perspectives highlighted the multi-faceted approach required to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more inclusive society where women and girls can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.
Perspectives from Around the Globe
The panel discussion was enriched by contributions from various participants, including Professor Rodica Silva Pop from Romania, who shared her insights and perspectives on promoting inclusion and addressing systemic barriers in Romania and beyond
In her concluding remarks, Kplorfia urged all attendees and global stakeholders to get involved in the ongoing effort to inspire inclusion and practice it actively. “Inclusion is not only about adding on persons from marginalized groups,” she emphasized. “It is about equipping them to be fully included. Together, we can achieve true inclusion.”
A Call to Action: Creating an Inclusive World
As the event drew to a close, Ama Bortise, the Dean of Student Affairs at Jagils, delivered a powerful call to action, emphasizing the need for intentional inclusion and urging all attendees to create a more inclusive and equitable world actively.
“Let this movement start with us,” Ama Bortise declared. “Change must begin with us taking actions of inclusiveness and creating a safe environment for all that surrounds us.”
Prof. Dr. Samuel Jacobs-Abbey echoed these sentiments, extending his gratitude to the participants at the United Nations Headquarters and those who joined virtually, underscoring the collective commitment to driving positive change through inclusive practices.
The JAGILS-UN CSW68 Town Hall event served as a powerful platform for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action, bringing together individuals and organizations worldwide to inspire and promote inclusion as a catalyst for breaking down barriers and fostering a more just and equitable society.
A Global Movement Towards Inclusion
As the world commemorates significant milestones in the fight for gender equality, such as the Women’s Suffrage Movement of the 18th Century and the Beijing Conference of 1995, it is evident that progress has been made. However, the journey towards true inclusion remains ongoing, and events like the JAGILS UNCSW68 Town Hall serve as powerful reminders of the work that lies ahead.
Throughout the event, a common thread emerged: the recognition that achieving true inclusion requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges societal privileges, confronts discrimination, invests in enabling environments, empowers marginalized groups, and fosters shared responsibility for creating change.
Organizations such as the African Girls Hope Foundation, Girls Excellence Movement, Leadership Empowerment and Development Innovation Initiative Africa, Odo Serwa Foundation, Impact Sierra Leone, UN Women, UN Civil Society Unit, and the Inspirers Alumni Network have taken up the mantle, actively working to empower women and girls and promote inclusion on a global scale.
As the world continues to grapple with systemic barriers and inequalities, events like the Jagils UNCSW68 Town Hall serve as beacons of hope, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and collective action towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
In the words of Ms. Juliana Ama Kplorfia, “Let us all embrace the call to action and work together to create a truly inclusive world where everyone has a voice, an opportunity, and a seat at the table.”
It is a call that resonates far beyond the halls of the United Nations, echoing across continents and communities, inspiring individuals and organizations to join the global movement towards inclusion, one bridge at a time.
