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VV100: Day 5 | Taking The Network to the Next Level
On the final day of VV100, the atmosphere was charged with an electric energy to do more and pay it forward. The focus of the day was on how The Network can move forward to the next level. Our partners Johnson & Johnson led a discussion on how the partnership can support the needs of the network and after, the 100 broke out into groups to discuss how Vital Voices and Johnson & Johnson can support the phenomenal work done by the women in this room and beyond. Many ideas were discussed and everyone in the room was dedicated to galvanizing The Network. Later that evening, the convening ended with Vital Voices San Francisco, an evening gala at the SFJAZZ Center. There, we heard in-depth conversation from Akanksha Hazari, Khanim Latif and Hafsat Abiola-Costello. There was no better way to end a week of connecting across the network than gathering for a celebration of a few women who are demonstrating courageous leadership for a more secure world.
VV100: Day Four | Galvinizing the Network
Day 4 at VV100 was focused on galvanizing The Network. Network members were divided into four groups to identify critical challenges the entire Network should tackle, how we can activate the larger Network, and how Vital Voices can support The Network. After discussing in small groups, the VV100 reconvened to share ideas. Most members agreed that an online platform to facilitate interactions across sector, country and skill set is vitally important to taking The Network to the next level. Later that afternoon, a small group gathered to capitalize on the opportunity of having 100 dedicated members of The Vital Voices Global Leadership Network all together in one room to brainstorm how this online platform would take shape. Members were identified to facilitate the next steps. Stay tuned to see what the next phase of an online platform brings!
VV100: Day Three | Investing in Women Leaders
How can The Vital Voices Global Leadership Network invest more in it’s leaders? That was the discussion topic led by Kah Walla with the VV100 on Day 3 of the program. Fantastic ideas were brought to the table by leaders who are prepared to galvanize The Network all around the world. A Vital Voices Parliament, country delegates, and an online platform were all suggested as ways for the women leaders to connect with each other and amplify the power and skills of The Network.
Following this in-depth discussion, the women facilitated and participated in training sessions aimed at developing and elevating their skills as leaders to disseminate their message. Public speaking, on-camera media training, communicating your message and strategic planning were just a few of the lessons the VV100 can use to catalyze their power as world leaders.
VV100: Day Two | Personal Capacity Building
Day two at VV100 focused on the unique role women play in the public leadership space and how to build personal capacity. Kathleen Matthews and Laura Alonso had an in-depth discussion on involving women in the public sphere particularly through running for office. Kathleen emphasized the importance of women in political positions when she said “Just running, even if you don’t win, is a victory.”
Later in the afternoon, the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute did a deep dive with the VV100 on how to build individual capacity for success and stress management. The discussion turned to the qualities of a Vital Voices Leader and how to scale up those qualities to build greater capacity. In a conversation with Velma Saric from Bosnia, Obiageli Ezekwesili of Nigeria said, “Whenever you become part of a network like this, it is because you share the drive, motivation [and] passion.” The power of The Vital Voices Network was amplified to show how these women can connected across sectors, shared experiences and discovered the support that the Network can provide.
VV100: Day One | Opening Dinner
This week, we are honored to join 100 exceptional women from the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network for VV100: A Strategic Gathering. We kicked off this inspiring week with an opening dinner where Network members were able to come together for the first time. With old friendships rekindled and new strategic partnerships formed, we look forward to seeing what the power of the Network can truly do.
Check back here throughout the week for highlights and pictures. Also be sure to check out our social media feed with #VV100 and #JNJ on Twitter (@VitalVoices, @JNJNews), Instagram (@vitalvoices) and Facebook (@VitalVoices, @JNJ).