Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.
― Lao Tzu
As I prepare to head out to NYC tomorrow to attend my fourth Social Good Summit (#2030NOW) I could not help but wonder about what kind of world I’d like to see in 2030. As 193 global leaders meet at the United Nations General Assembly this week and commit on the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that will guide our planet for the next several years, there is no time more important than today to think about the change we want to see in the world.
The three main areas that the bold new SDGs address include ending extreme poverty, eliminating injustice and inequality and climate change. For me, I am honestly hoping that the world does something to change the future of half our planet – the future for women and girls – who continue to suffer the most from injustice, inequality and poverty.
Why? Because women and girls are critical to transforming the future. Without them, we are missing a huge transformative, powerful piece of the puzzle. In honor of women and girls, I look forward to attending the Social Good Summit (#2030NOW) and live reporting via twitter (@thirdeyemom). It will certainly be an exciting few days!
The photos below were all taken in June 2014 in Ethiopia during a two-week reporting trip on maternal and newborn health with the International Reporting Project. These woman and girls remind me of the personal commitment I have made to helping change the world to the way I want it to be.
Maternal and Newborn Mortality rates in developing countries are improving but not fast enough. Education is lacking as are opportunities for women and girls to start business, have a career and improve their lives. We face a critical moment in time when we can change the direction of their paths and make the world a better place for all, no matter where you live, what language you speak, how much money you have or what religion you practice. No matter if you are a man or a woman, a girl or a boy. It is up to us.

Fasika Menge and Tirigno Alenerw are Mosebo’s two government-paid Health Extension Workers living and serving the community.
These women and girls are counting on us to help make the world a better place for them. It is up to us to use our voice to help them.
This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Change.
To learn more about #GlobalGoals click here.
Great post.
Thank you so much!
Excellent post! Thank you for getting this message out there.
You’re welcome! It is so important.
It is hard to imagine the difficult conditions so many women and children face in this world. So much inteligence and hope in the portraits you took.
Thanks so much Kat! Hope you are well!
Lovely photos Nicole and of course a very worthy cause. Good for you for working to make a difference!
Thanks Tina! I try. Everything counts no matter how big or how small, right. 🙂
Thanks for this Nicole. The UN should appoint you as one of their special envoys. They need you.
Oh what a beautiful comment Andrew! Thank you!
My pleasure. I mean it 🙂
Beautiful photos and such meaningful work. Women are the foundation on which the world is built. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for your comment! Yes women and girls are the foundation and so important. WE are all in this together! 🙂