This June, over 8,000 extraordinary people came together at Women Deliver in Vancouver to share ideas and champion a more equal world for women across the globe. Here are some takeaways that we found inspiring:
1) We share a powerful Vision
In her impactful opening session Katja Iversen, CEO of Women Deliver, told us that “a gender equal world is healthier, wealthier, more productive and more peaceful”. We couldn’t agree more. And, if more of us share this vision of a more equal world, we’ll make it happen sooner.
Katja delivers her awe-inspiring speech
2) Collaboration is essential.
We were inspired by the range of topics and diversity of the panelists, speakers and attendees at #WD2019. It drove home the importance of collaboration and partnerships that lie at the heart of Orbis’s work.
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau was part of the conference
There were so many exciting discussions
4) Big challenges need bold solutions.
We saw everything from low-tech ways to improve outcomes for live births in low resource communities to environmentally friendly sanitary products. A great reminder that we can’t tackle big problems like avoidable blindness without innovation – just like our focus on simulation training and mentoring through our telemedicine platform, Cybersight.
Younger voices were a significant part of the conference
5) Young leadership is powerful.
It underscores the importance of investing in eye care services for children to allow them to reach their potential and become the change makers of tomorrow. The conference reaffirmed the value of listening to younger voices.
Together, we can keep fighting for an equal future
6) Lifelong learning is vital.
In today’s fast-paced world, learning can’t stop at a certain age. At Orbis, we’re doing our part by providing training and mentoring so that the women who work with us can keep making a big impact on the communities they serve.
7) The fight is far from over.
We were inspired by all we heard and saw at #WD2019. But it also showed us the fight for gender equity is not over. Together, we can make sure we don’t move backwards. We can make the vision for a brighter future a reality – and build a world that’s fair and just for every person.
All photos: Women Deliver
