Central Europe Reflections

Over the last week here in Central Europe, we have had an opportunity to meet some very strong willed, opinionated, hard working, self driven women who can be referred to as trail blazers. Not only are they changing the status quo, they are confident in their abilities and are not willing to go along with the expectations of others. I see these women working to make a change, not only for themselves but they are also working to help other women to take opportunities that are available to them and not to settle for what others think they should do, but to go after what they want.

Like women in the United States and other parts of the world, they believe that they can achieve it all. Children and family are important and they believe that they can work to achieve getting the better education, the perfect position or job and having a family. There is no question that they are confident that they can achieve all of the above and it is most evident that they are doing just that.

The same issues exist as in the United States and the rest of the world. The women in Central Europe continue to make less than men, the expectation is that they should stay home and be good mothers and wives, and they continue to try and knock down the glass ceiling.

All of the women that we met are trailblazers and as they continue to motivate and encourage other women, it is clear that they are going to make a difference.

Isaline