Imagine being five years out of college, working at your dream job, and then being part of the prestigious 4th UN World Conference on Women in Beijing. I was, and it changed my life forever. It strengthened and enforced my love of travel, international cultures, and the power of strong and influential women from that day on.
Hillary Clinton, Mother Teresa, and many more influential women were there. The enormity of it struck me when our group of a few hundred women took up only a small section of the Opening Ceremony. A sea of women all excited to be a part of history!
Click here to listen to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton’s remarks to the Fourth Women’s Conference in Beijing, China. This footage is provided by the Clinton Presidential Library.
“By gathering in Beijing, we are focusing world attention on issues that matter most in our lives — the lives of women and their families: access to education, health care, jobs and credit, the chance to enjoy basic legal and human rights and to participate fully in the political life of our countries.” Hillary Rodham Clinton, 1995 remarks to the 4th Annual UN Conference for Women. Photo credit UN/DPI 051210 Yao Da Wei
This was my first, but not my last, journey to China and it truly made a difference. Travel became a passion, making a difference became a priority, and mentoring other female co-workers a new vision.
Life changing? Yes! A must? Yes! In my opinion, no matter your circumstances and other priorities, traveling to experience other cultures and to have those memorable experiences is something you will never regret and always hold tight.
Travel well!
Marcia Dartley – Program Director, Nanda Journeys
Links:
Nanda Journeys Blog 