In case you missed it, there's a super-cool conference going on at Lincoln Center right now: Tina's Brown's Women in the World Summit. The conference, which wraps up tomorrow, has featured everyone from Hillary Clinton to Jon Stewart to the Queen of Jordan discussing topics of importance to women around the world, touching on politics, business, education and beyond.
While none of us here at Ravishly were able to attend (Ms. Brown didn't return our calls, WTF?), we have been following it closely. Here are four moments that got our fists pumping:
1) Ukrainian Pop Star Slams Putin
After receiving a standing O for her powerful performance of the Ukrainian national anthem, pop star Ruslana Lyzhychko shared this nugget about Vladimir Putin to Tina Brown: "Sorry Mr. Putin, but you look to the past, not to the future. Nobody supports your plan in the world." A woman bravely speaking up about a dangerous dictator who has threatened and hurt such outspoken women before? Baller.
2) Queen Rania of Jordan Speaks out About Syrian Refugees
In addition to calling the situation in Syria a "political conundrum and a heartbreaking humanitarian crisis," Queen Rania tied her words to action by noting that Jordan is hosting more than 600,000 refugees, while encouraging the international community to step up and do the same. Let's pause from our regularly scheduled hysteria over Kate Middleton's heels and baby Prince George's posh lifestyle to marvel at this royal news.
3) South African Entrepreneur Shares Inspiring Tale
While not as high-profile as some of the other women featured, Bessie Mogale had one of the most poignant stories to share. When the South African single mother of three was told at age 50 that she could no longer teach, she opened her own store with the help of the awesome 5by20 initiative. With that money, she then sent herself and her three sons through college, the first in the family to do so. Obviously, Bessie is a boss. (See her in action below!)
4) Jon Stewart Moderates Arab Spring Panel
Proving that female progress relies also on the help of smart, progressive men, Jon Stewart moderated a panel among Arab spring activists. Would such a discussion elicit attention without Stewart's name associated with it? Sadly, probably not, which is likely precisely what motivated him to get involved in the first place. Props also for his opening line, "The first challenge with any conversation about the Arab spring is pronunciation." A little Arab spring humor, kids!
As the summit wraps up, we encourage you to follow it more closely here. Conversations about global women issues don't happen nearly enough. Let's get to it, shall we?
Image of the bodacious Bessie Mogale: YouTube
