Insights from the Global Symposium on Grandmother Leadership and Social Change
In today’s complex world, challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and global health crises require innovative and inclusive approaches. One powerful yet often overlooked solution lies in the leadership of older women, particularly grandmothers. These women bring unique perspectives, practical wisdom, and deep community ties that are crucial for addressing pressing issues and fostering sustainable futures.
The Global Symposium on Grandmother Leadership and Social Change held in May 2024 brought together a diverse group of participants, including activists, scholars, policymakers, and community leaders. The event was driven by a shared belief in the pivotal role older women play as agents of change. The symposium aimed to explore, celebrate, and amplify the contributions of grandmothers globally, providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action.
Key Insights from the Symposium
- Multifaceted Roles of Grandmothers: Grandmothers are cultural custodians, preserving and passing down traditional knowledge and values. They are resilient leaders who mobilize communities during crises and advocate for social justice. Their influence transcends generations, fostering intergenerational dialogue and ensuring the continuity of cultural practices. The symposium highlighted that neglecting the contributions of grandmothers not only diminishes our collective ability to address global challenges but also overlooks their significant impact.
- A Call for a Dedicated Field: Participants advocated for the development of a dedicated field focusing on older women and aging in the context of social change. This includes establishing standards of practice, research methodologies, and policy frameworks to support grandmother-led initiatives. Such efforts are crucial for combating ageism, fostering inclusive societal structures, and fully harnessing the potential of older women as catalysts for positive transformation.
- Actionable Strategies: The symposium participants emphasized the need for capacity-building programs, networking opportunities, and collaborative partnerships to amplify the voices and leadership of older women globally. By creating spaces for grandmothers to share their experiences and insights, we can ensure that their contributions are recognized and integrated into global agendas for sustainable development and social justice.
“I think this kind of collective of sharing and talking to each other is very meaningful, because then we are not only sharing, but we are taking steps towards making all of this possible. Yes, I’m really glad to have met all of you and we are all coming together.”
- Indai Sajor, Women’s War Crimes Tribunal Feminists Collective
The Mandate for the Grandmother Collective
The Grandmother Collective, inspired by the symposium, is committed to elevating the status of grandmothers and older women worldwide as drivers of social change. Our mandate includes organizing regular convenings, forums, and symposiums to continue fostering dialogue, sharing insights, and building networks. Through advocacy, research, and capacity-building initiatives, we aim to ensure that grandmother leadership is recognized, valued, and integrated into global efforts to create a more just and equitable world.
The Global Symposium on Grandmother Leadership and Social Change marked a significant moment in recognizing the vital contributions of grandmothers and older women. By embracing grandmother leadership, we honor their invaluable contributions and pave the way for a future where every generation benefits from their wisdom and resilience.
We invite you to download the insights from the symposium and join us in this movement to elevate and support grandmother leadership. Together, we can harness the power of older women to address the most pressing challenges of our time and build a brighter future for all.
Please visit http://www.grandmothercollective.org and download the Symposium Insights. If you are interested in getting involved and learning more join us for our Fall Community Meeting on September 10th, 2024! (We’ll host it in the morning and evening Eastern to accommodate global schedules). Email info@grandmothercollective.org for more information!
