The past year has demonstrated that women around the world are speaking up about the sexual abuse they have endured. And it’s time to prevent instead of regret.

Though it isn’t surprising how many of us have endured sexual abuse, it’s heart breakingly shocking how many women had been exposed to sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and male dominance.

These horrific incidents are happening on such an alarming scale.

And that is what is so unacceptable.

We must address this behaviour as it is no light matter.

We must make it unacceptable in our society.

Speaking out against it is only the beginning.

Being aware of the sheer volume of such assaults must bring us to action immediately.

Now let’s talk about what we can do to prevent this behavior

For centuries, women have been sexually assaulted, harassed, and overpowered.

And for thousands of years, women have been overpowered by men in many areas.

They simply had to obey their father first and then their husband or brother or convent.

THESE TIMES ARE OVER!

Let’s not waste our time lamenting what has been lost, but think about what we can do to empower each other and prevent any form of abuse in any situation.

One of the most powerful things we can do is to speak out. Loud and clear.

Step on their toes, correct inappropriate behavior or stupid “jokes” that put women down.

Tell them right directly that there is nothing funny about it (and feel the power of generations of women behind you when doing so!)

Address inappropriate behaviour in your workplace or at home right away.

That is the first step to making it crystal clear that you…along with all women, no longer accept or tolerate this behaviour and will prevent it from continuing!

Don’t accept embarrassing excuses as ‘locker room talk’ or allow them to ‘make light’ of it, as it isn’t and it is about time we have an intolerant attitude towards it.

Speak to other women in your family, office or circle of friends.

Build a support network and talk about how to handle a tricky situation.

Have someone on speed dial, agree on a code and find ways to protect yourself and other women.

Most of all, don’t let any men tell you that you’re paranoid or an angry feminist.

Tell them that with the #metoo campaign, hundreds of thousands of men just proved to the world that they are disgusting.

Don’t let any person tell you how to feel or deal with these issues.

Not your mum, your brother, your boss, or your church.

Feel empowered in the knowledge that millions of women around the globe are standing with you – I’m standing with you.

How we raise our boys

I have a wonderful 18 year old son.

It is an inspiration to watch him approach life.

So free in his mind and so grateful for life itself.

Lots of people compliment me on how I have raised him.

And it is true my husband and I might have done some things right. I would say he is just a wonderful, lovely, kind, interesting and happy soul.

However, women and men can do a lot in raising their boys to respect women in general.

Be kind, protective and respectful in any way.

That is one thing they will learn in listening to what you teach them.

The other way is by seeing how you live your life.

Your sons see how you are treated, how you protect yourself, how you respect others.

Our children, at least to a certain point of time, look up to us and imitate the grown-ups surrounding them.

How we raise our girls

Now this is so important, as we simply have to educate girls from a very young age.

And we must do it in a way that doesn’t scare them but empowers them.

One of the important steps is to give her encouragement and permission to really express her feelings.

Even if it sometimes means she upsets you.

Build a healthy trust between you.

Let her know that she is fabulous and strong and unique and that she can reach any goal.

Empower her to speak out.

Teach her to be an independent, strong woman one day and a powerful girl now.

Educating her about abuse and the truth behind it should be age appropriate and it is not about injecting her with fear.

It’s about giving her knowledge about her rights.

How to protect herself, making sure she understands her worth, how to prevent inappropriate behavior. Making sure she knows that SHE owns herself, her body and her mind.

Again, your daughters will watch how you live your life, how you treat others, and how others treat you. Set a bold example.

How to prevent by empowering women

It is my privilege to empower women as a full time job!

There is nothing that I love to do more!

There are so many ways to empower women and one of the simplest ways is to genuinely want to see women rise.

I don’t think I have to explain to you how important it is for women to treat each other with the utmost respect and kindness.

No matter our background or color.

No matter where we’ve been born or raised or the society we live in right now.

We are all enduring injustice because we are women.

As women, we should be super nice to each other and empower each other instead of being envious.

We all have so much more in common than what divides us.

Feeling the power of Sisterhood and taking it to the next level

In my monthly meeting with the Inner Circle here in Switzerland, we have been focusing on the power of women.

Sitting in meditation with a room full of inspiring women is so powerful.

It amazes me every time!

There are so many opportunities to get together.

Likeminded women with kids at a similar age can take turns babysitting for an afternoon or day of the week/month.

This way the kids have great playmates and each of you gets a free day or afternoon in turn.

Prepare your holiday food together this year.

Get together to bake the cookies in advance. (I do that each year and we all have so much fun!).

Each of your friends brings their own different dough and in the end, you divide it among each other.

This way, you make one cookie and come home with a tin full of a wide variety of cookies.

I’m sure you can come up with amazing ideas – share them with us below in the comment section!

Putting women in positions of power

Pick a capable women for your next job. In your team or as a leader of your county and country!

Brotherhood

Their brotherhood is well connected and works wonders for them (in jobs and politics as much as everywhere else), as it has for the last few thousand years.

Don’t get me wrong, I only mean that partly sarcastic… I’m very happily married and have a wonderful son.

I really love to see them well-placed in the brotherhood. I just don’t think they need our help, as they have helped each other for thousands of years.

How to prevent through sisterhood

We have a lot to do, my friends.

I would love to hear what ideas you have! Start the discussion below and leave a comment.

Let’s find some ideas for Sisterhood!

I’d love to hear from you!
Carollyne