From joblessness to lack of education and professional skills to sexual and gender-based violence, women face a multi-faceted oppression.

No change can come if those who are impacted the most by discrimination are not willing to stand up for themselves.

I firmly believe today that the only way to stop violence against women is to speak out and refused to be silenced.

Historically speaking, religious and conservative groups always wanted the control over the private sphere that impacts women most, as reflected by family law and women's access to resources and mobility. And often secular groups traded this for economic incentives and trade.

Women still need higher political representation and to be included at decision making tables in all issues in order for solutions that relates from peace to food, to health, to basic stability in the world. We cannot continue to marginalize half of the population in the world in finding sustainable solutions that are good for all.

Leadership is not about having the charisma or speaking inspirational words, but about leading with example.

I have come to understand that in order to effectively advance women's rights, we need to galvanize a global women's movement.