PPB April 2015

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APRIL 2015 • PPB • 67
There are steps we can take to create a world
where women have equal opportunities and
rights, and where they can live in a world free
from violence and oppression. Here are three
ideas: 1. Become more aware of legislation and
how it affects women. 2. Champion women
and girls in your company, profession and com-
munity. 3. Think globally. Stand up for women
who have few rights and live under oppressive
conditions in other parts of the world.
—“You Don’t Have to Be a Feminist to
Support Women’s Rights” by Cheryl Benton
Avoid philanthropy based on
handouts. Instead, support
efforts that give women infor-
mation and teach them how to use it.
This is the approach taken by women like
Wallis Annenberg, who helps fund commu-
nity education and innovative projects;
Melinda Gates, cofounder of the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation, which facilitates
people’s access to information, and Oprah
Winfrey, a vocal and active supporter of edu-
cation and teachers.
—“Information: The Best Form of
Philanthropy” by Shirley Osborne
Cherish the hard times.
Often they, not the good
times, lead to your purpose,
passion and life’s work. Part of
this is learning how to see obstacles as step-
ping stones. Go over them, under them or
through them, but don’t let them knock you
down. They are an important part of your
legacy and help you become not just a sur-
vivor but a sur-thriver.
—“Live Your Legacy: Leadership, Philanthropy,
and Transformation” by Aurea McGarry
Nancy D. O’Reilly, PsyD, is an
author of Leading Women:
20 Influential Women Share
Their Secrets to Leadership,
Business, and Life (Adams
Media, 2015) and urges
women to connect to help
each other create a better
world. She is a clinical psychol-
ogist, motivational speaker
and women-empowerment
expert who devotes her ener-
gies to helping women achieve
the lives they want. O’Reilly
is the founder of Women
Connect4Good, Inc., and for
seven years she has interviewed
inspiring women for online
podcasts available on her web-
site.
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There are steps we can take to create a world where women have equal
opportunities and rights, and where they can live in a world free from vio-
lence and oppression. “
”