During the latter months of 2013, I came across a fantastic campaign entitled 'Take The Lead.' The campaign states that it "...prepares, develops, inspires and propels women to take their fair and equal share of leadership positions across all sectors by 2025. It's today's women's movement -- a unique catalyst for women to embrace power and reach leadership parity." I was hooked, and immediately followed the campaign on Twitter and on Facebook.
As a huge advocate for women's rights, I was intrigued at the statistics, personal stories, and inspiring advice this campaign provided its followers. Now, in preparation for the official Take The Lead Challenge Launch in February 2014, I am going to give you a few examples about how you can take the lead of your own life during your twenties, and beyond.
1.Be open to change. One of the best times to create change, and allow ourselves to embrace change, is during or after university. At university we meet different people from all walks of life, who can inspire and challenge us. Take the lead by ensuring you are open to new opportunities, attend networking events, and try new things such as starting a new society.
2.Power Up. Take The Lead will have a range of guest speakers during their launch event in February, and the ethos of the campaign is very similar to that of Sheryl Sandberg. If women do not lean in to their own lives, speak up at the table, put our hands up when we have a question, argue our point our view, we will remain limited. So, take the lead and inspire your peers, your colleagues, your friends, and your family by speaking up and living a fulfilling life.
3.Own your power. Founder of Take the Lead, Gloria Feldt, states that "power unused is power useless." There will be times during your twenties; a break-up, an argument with a friend, the opportunity volunteer, the chance to excel at an assignment; where we render ourselves powerless. We push away the idea that we don't have the power to change anything, and indulge in the idea that destiny alone controls our lives. Maybe to some degree, and while we cannot change other people's perception of power, we can take the lead and inspire other women by taking accountability for the power we have.
It's been said that learning in groups is one of the most successful ways to retain information, and so I would encourage you all to invite your friends, your family, and your colleagues and host a viewing party. To help you with this, Take The Lead is offering free live-stream tickets for the event which boasts guest-speakers such as Sheryl Sandberg, Carla Harris and Karen Finney. Alternatively, the event will be held in Arizona and while tickets are $15, students with valid ID receive free entry.