inspiration

There are plenty of role models to draw inspiration from. But all too frequently (and all too quickly) they become invisible, so that we are constantly having to remind ourselves, having to uncover or recover their lives and stories again and again. Why does this happen? Is it because men are still in control of writing history and information management? Is it because women are still afraid of success?

We need to keep our own records and celebrate our own achievements. Here we have started a list. Please add to it!

Li Yuchun, China, winner of the Mongolian Cow Sour Yoghurt Supergirl talent show:
"As society opens up, women can be more brave, more independent and outgoing like boys."
Sabrina Sagheb, Afghanistan, candidate in national elections (see side bar)
Eve Ensler, US, writer of The Vagina Monologues and promoter of V-Day:
"The struggle is the change: V is for Victory, Vagina and Valentine."
Wangari Maathai, Kenyan ecologist, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2004, for planting trees
Dr Mo Mowlam, UK, former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who went inside the Maze prison to meet Loyalists in a bid to restart the peace process:
"I didn't negotiate, I didn't do a deal. If you want progress, you ain't going to get it if you don't have talks."

We are all capable of inspiring others and working together to inspire the world. But to do this, we have to be true to ourselves, to speak with our own voice and make our own meanings. Check out Subversions for more on this.