“One day I will…” If we could hear all the women and girls of the world complete this sentence, we would surely feel inspired by the creative potential for positive change. Although we might not have the opportunity to listen to the hopes of each unique individual, to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, Google produced a Google Doodle asking women to answer this statement to celebrate the diverse aspirations that make up our collective voice.

One day I will… finish writing a book on feminine leadership. I certainly feel the need for this now if we are to empower young women to one day choose to become wholehearted leaders in the service of people and planet.

I got a sharp reminder in March that the achievement of a few women occupying top leadership positions is not nearly enough in the struggle for gender equality. I had been invited to be the keynote speaker at Our Time To Lead, a conference dedicated to celebrating women’s empowerment through technology. Held in the Algerian capital of Algiers, the event was run by non-profit organisation Women Techmakers and sponsored by Google.

The young women in their early twenties who made up the majority of the audience proved to be extremely receptive to my own story as a young female social entrepreneur. Yet, when I asked them to think of the leader who inspired them most, only a dozen from well over two hundred attendees admitted to choosing a female role model.

An astonished buzz filled the room and was followed with shock as we reflected together on the leadership qualities that their role models embodied. Most of the young women identified typically masculine characteristics as those essential to be an effective leader. Although many admired traits such as problem solving and strength, only a handful mentioned typically feminine qualities such as intuition and empathy. This brief experiment perhaps highlights that even our best intentions to support women in leadership have been approached in the wrong way.

It is important that young women continue to build some of the recognisable traits of masculine leadership, but we are setting them up for failure unless we also help them to cultivate feminine leadership

The ‘male norm’ has become accepted as the ‘human norm’. This normalisation and internalisation of gender-based inequality and discrimination has become so ‘natural’ that many people still do not realise how gender has been operating as a fundamental structure of oppression for centuries. As feminist scholar Karen Beckwith warns: “Gender is so central to the politics of countries and people as to be invisible.”

It is important that young women continue to build some of the recognisable traits of ‘masculine’ leadership, but we are setting them up for failure unless we also help them cultivate ‘feminine’ leadership. The masculine qualities that we value in men can all too often take on negative connotations when embodied by female leaders. There are far too many instances of assertive and straightforward women in top leadership positions being labelled as aggressive and power-hungry.

We must also learn to embrace and celebrate qualities of feminine leadership if we are to foster collaboration and transformation. Nobel prize nominee and peace activist Scilla Elworthy says that by embracing both energies we will be able to tap into the creative potential that comes from a powerful union of mind and heart. Imagine how much more powerful we would be if we were able to, in Elworthy’s words, “combine reflection with action, psychological insight with political realism, emotional empathy with clear analysis, and inner spiritual maturity with outer achievement.”

The journey to becoming wholehearted leaders requires a life-long commitment to the inner work of integrating our masculine and feminine energies. But we can spark this process of transformation and empowerment by asking women and girls to complete the sentence “One day I will…” and celebrating their unique aspirations. And we might as well find the courage to start with ourselves. Try it now: One day I will…

Photo: Greta Rossi addressing the Our Time to Lead conference, Algeria

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Fossil fuel divestment is huge. What started as a small grassroots campaign in US colleges in 2012 is now a global phenomenon with people and organisations from all around the world committing to withdraw investments in the fossil fuel industry. As a result, an estimated $50bn (£31bn) will be taken out of the fossil fuel industry over the next five years.

The premise is simple: by withdrawing fossil fuel investments, organisations are limiting industry’s ability to exploit finite natural resources while simultaneously showing the world they object to a practice that is leading us on a path towards catastrophic climate change, destroying ecosystems and negatively impacting human health.

But what has this got to do with the media? Well, as the age of burning fossil fuels needs to come to an end, so does the era of overly negative media.

Though negative news may have less obvious consequences than the excessive use of fossil fuels, its implications for society are widespread and deep-rooted.

Every day we are bombarded with stories of conflict, death and destruction with seemingly no hope of resolution. Of course we should report on important issues such as war, crime and human rights abuses, but we also need to point to what is being done to tackle these problems. At present, the media too often presents an unbalanced view of the world.

“More than 220 institutions have divested from fossil fuels so far, how many of us will ‘divest’ from negative media and become part of a positive alternative?”

Not only this, but research is emerging that suggests negative news stories have a detrimental impact on wellbeing and sense of social agency. A recent study from the University of Southampton asked respondents to rate their moods before and after reading negative stories and found higher levels of anxiety, pessimism and demotivation afterwards. Denise Baden, one of the study’s researchers and associate professor at Southampton Business School, argues that this is an ethical issue that both the media industry and society must consider when producing and consuming news.

With most of us reading the news on regular basis, imagine the potential long-term implications for society as a whole.

As Positive News editor Seán Dagan Wood said at an Action for Happiness event in March: “We are reaching peak negativity in the news.”

But it’s not enough to simply stop a problem. Alternatives are needed to bring about real positive change. As many of those divesting from fossil fuels are instead investing in sustainable options such as renewable energy, alternative media solutions must be supported.

So what’s the solution? It’s clear that we need more balance. A more positive and constructive approach presents a more accurate picture of the truth and informs people how they can help make the world better.

Already progress is being made with Al Jazeera, the Huffington Post and the New York Times all beginning to introduce solutions-focused stories, plus the Constructive Journalism Project has recently started running workshops for university students.

But Positive News is taking this one step further. Building on our 22 years at the forefront of solutions-focused journalism, we’re now giving you the chance to #OwnTheMedia by launching a community share offer.

Like what you’re reading? We want our readers to #OwnTheMedia. Support Positive News by becoming an owner now: www.ownthemedia.org

With the majority of the media owned by just a few (70% of the UK’s media market is controlled by just three companies), we feel a more democratic approach is crucial in bringing about a more accountable solutions-focused media. And what better way to do that than to offer ownership of the paper to you, the readers?

This means that, as our readers, you don’t have to be passive consumers of news, but actively participate in the kind of news you want to see.

Most of us don’t hold direct investments in fossil fuels, but we do buy newspapers, subscribe to magazines and read advertisement-funded content online. We don’t have to necessarily ‘divest’ from other sources of media. But by buying shares in Positive News you are not only making a statement against overly negative news, but most importantly, saying that you want an active shift towards a more positive, reader-led media.

More than 220 institutions have divested from fossil fuels so far, how many of us will ‘divest’ from negative media and become part of a positive alternative?

The Positive News community share offer runs until 8 July 2015. To buy shares visit www.OwnTheMedia.org.

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Much is said about poverty and equality in election cycles, with promises of reform and a better life for those living below the poverty line. The social welfare state is arguably the greatest poverty alleviator of all time, but right now it’s not enough and regardless of who wins today’s election, we all need to play a part in poverty reduction.

Here is a common scenario for downward mobility: In 2013 a father of three lost his job. He became one of the 2.5 million people looking for work but unable to find a job. He was unable to pay his mortgage and support his family so was left with no alternative other than to seek Jobseeker’s Allowance. This barely covered his outgoings so he was forced to take on further debt to bridge the gap.

Who is responsible for giving this person a livelihood?

“We can accomplish great things together when we pool our skills, money and resources to help people to help themselves.”

We assume it’s up to the social welfare state. “It is quite shocking that so few people feel there is an obligation to give,” Dan Corry, chief executive of New Philanthropy Capital, told the Guardian. “We have gone through a phase where we have a welfare state, we pay our taxes and we feel we don’t need to give any more.”.

However, what history has shown is that the state alone cannot solve poverty. Some forces are out of the government’s control: industries shrink, consumer tastes move on and stock markets crash. A government bureau is small in comparison to the size of its population. On numbers alone, it’s the people who are more powerful.

But there are misheld beliefs which are preventing people helping those in need. In 2011, 37 percent of people thought that most people on benefits were taking advantage, and 56 percent believed that most unemployed people could find a job if they wanted one, according to a NatCen report.

We lack awareness of our power as a collective. We can accomplish great things together when we pool our skills, money and resources to help people to help themselves. Common Cause has proved this by connecting people on benefits with the support they need to build their own livelihoods and gain financial independence.

Take Jamilia for example. She has two degrees in history but struggled to find work related to her education. She applied for retail jobs in order to earn enough to support her family, but was disregarded due to her age. She was left sleeping rough in north London. Determined to find a way of supporting her family, she attended a training course with the Aspire Foundation. She was encouraged to build a business from one of her passions, and given the skills and training to do so.

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Jamilia started knitting garments from British wool, but lacked the resources and funding to develop her business. Common Cause has connected her to people who have offered her the support she needed to succeed. She now sells her goods on fashion websites and at markets in London, and is mentoring other people on benefits about how they can build their own livelihoods.

What is the benefit to us? As individuals, research has shown that it feels good to give – volunteering is a long-lasting source of happiness. If we act, we can live in more secure, enjoyable societies where people are more connected and generous with each other.

We need to place the faith in ourselves and come together to take action. Poverty is not inevitable. We can remain indifferent, or we can do something. We can volunteer our skills, we can make use of old equipment, and we can donate money to help people build better lives for themselves and for all of us.

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We are overwhelmed by information. A 24/7 news cycle and constant social media compete for our attention, while society demands that we explain our decisions logically, like a storyboard of causes and consequences.

In a bid to escape, we turn to yet more sources of information, such as self-help books and lifestyle advice columns. They tell us to meditate. To walk 10,000 steps each day. Yet relying solely on guidance from external sources overshadows our internal decision-making tools. According to life fulfilment guru Oprah Winfrey: “Learning to trust your instincts, using your intuitive sense of what’s best for you, is paramount for any lasting success. I’ve trusted the still, small voice of intuition my entire life. And the only time I’ve made mistakes is when I didn’t listen.”

In his book Civilization and Its Discontents, Freud argues that people are instinctively geared to be aggressive, with the ability to love only if there remains another group to direct anger at. This bleak interpretation of mankind leaves little room for the positive instincts of compassion which sit equally deep within the human soul.

“At a time when fear and terror may appear pervasive, the positive instincts of individuals and groups can triumph.”

What about the parental instinct which causes humans, along with hedgehogs and cheetahs (thought to have some of the strongest caring instincts in the animal kingdom) to care for their young? How about the instinct which drives us to form deep connections with those around us, or to reach out to help those in need? Although the existence of destructive human impulses can’t be denied, our positive instincts should be celebrated and cultivated.

Take the case of homelessness for instance. Instinct tells us that nobody should have to spend their days and nights on the street with little food and zero comfort. What’s more, ending homelessness makes logical sense: enabling people to live with dignity in a home will make them healthier, stronger and ultimately more able to contribute positively to society. If our individual instincts could be scaled up to the level of politics, homelessness would end.

How about the challenge of creating inspiring workplaces? Intuitively, we say that all people should feel respected, valued and integrated in the workplace. Equally, countless studies have shown that people are more productive and fulfilled when they are empowered and included in decision-making.

My recent research in the Mondragon Cooperative in the Spanish Basque Country revealed that many worker-owners of the cooperative’s 281 firms are generally happy, motivated and proud at work. They attributed this specifically to Mondragon’s values and practices, such as ensuring that the highest salary within the cooperative is only six times greater than the lowest salary.

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This incredible financial commitment is echoed in human relations: during a tour around the offices and factories, Mikel Lezamiz, director of corporate dissemination, greeted every cleaner by name. His instinct informed his actions towards all colleagues in the workplace.

Divestment from the fossil fuel industry similarly fulfils instinctive as well as logical criteria. According to the organisation 350.org and Fossil Free, 80 percent of known fossil fuel reserves must remain in the ground for us to avoid catastrophic warming beyond two degrees. Clearly, for the sake of ourselves, our planet and future generations, our fossil fuel frenzy has to end. All instincts point to the urgency of socio-economic transformation to renewable energy, a low carbon economy and more sustainable modes of consumption.

Why then, when the intuitive case for positive change is so strong, can it seem beyond reach?

Problems such as poverty, inequality and climate change are deep-rooted and complex. There are issues of distributed responsibility and dilemmas which have no unequivocally ‘right’ solutions. While personal instincts may be strong, knowing how to translate them into action is not always easy. Scaling them up to institutional and governmental decisions remains an even greater challenge.

“I’ve trusted the still, small voice of intuition my entire life. And the only time I’ve made mistakes is when I didn’t listen.”

Nonetheless, at a time when fear and terror may appear pervasive, the positive instincts of individuals and groups can triumph. Think of Malala Yousafzai, whose advocacy for female education has disseminated a ripple of hope to young girls across the world. Think of the nurses and coordinators working tirelessly to cure victims of Ebola. Think of Lassana Bathily, who risked his life to protect a group of hostages during the recent attack on the kosher supermarket in Paris.

When these people listened intimately to their instincts, they heard that compassion and creativity can triumph over hatred and injustice.

Humans are social beings, highly influenced by the behaviours and attitudes of others. What may begin as a few individuals following their instincts can progressively transform society’s perspectives and behaviours at large. The abolitionist, feminist and civil rights movements are clear examples of this social power, though their battles are not over yet.

So how can we know which instincts to trust, when we are overwhelmed by arguments and emotions?

We must strive to showcase our instincts of compassion and ingenuity, while putting those of selfishness and greed to rest. This demands courage and persistence. It necessitates time and dedication. As past and present moments of transformation have shown, it will be worthwhile in the long run.

First published by Open Democracy

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The Arab League initiative for peace

The Arab Peace Initiative (API), which is an extraordinary document, would require all Arab countries to normalise relations with Israel in return for comprehensive Arab-Israel peace. The plan offers full recognition of Israel but only if it returned fully to the 4 June 1967 lines, including along the Golan Heights and in east Jerusalem. It also requires a “just solution” for Palestinian refugees, which will bring security, stability and prosperity to the region. It is also worth considering France’s proposal to have European-run border monitors between the Gaza strip and Israel, in an effort to end hostilities and encourage peace.

The role of US in brokering peace

The attempts of successive US presidents, including the present Obama administration, to bring peace are laudable but questionable. Attempts to bring peace in the region can only be genuine if the US stops funding Israel and its allies with billions of dollars worth of the latest high-tech weaponry. Israel’s military aggression against Palestinians amounts to possible war crimes and crimes against humanity. The UN and governments across the world should enforce a legally binding military embargo on Israel similar to that imposed on South Africa during apartheid.

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Learning from the Northern Ireland peace process

Northern Ireland has become relatively peaceful and prosperous following the Good Friday agreement brokered in 1998. This model is being increasingly applied by political leaders to solve other conflicts around the world. Some of the lessons learned that could be applied in the Israel-Palestine conflict:

1. There should be a lasting ceasefire to end violence as all parties are fed up with 60 years of infighting.

2. Start negotiations between all parties in the conflict – including sworn enemies – in a trusted manner, for sensible solutions.

3. Agreement for a two-state solution in which Palestinian statehood is recognised and Israel’s identity and right to exist is acknowledged.

4. Agreement for equitable sharing of scarce resources, such as oil, water food, land.

5. There is a need for strong leaders to help communities develop trust and close and friendly relations without excluding any group.

6. Genuine efforts at decommissioning weapons and prisoner release.

7. Setting up an Israeli-Arab Council to settle differences instead of resolving them on the battlefield.

8. No rigid preconditions for achieving the objectives of political peace process.

9. Israel needs to adopt more humane approach towards the people of Gaza and lift the blockade and barriers. Palestinian groups should reciprocate with a ceasefire and stop all acts of violence against Israeli people.

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It’s unusual for a big company to make unflattering announcements about itself, so it’s no surprise that Tesco’s recent publication of its own waste figures made the headlines. The supermarket giant generated almost 30,000 tonnes of food waste in the first half of 2013, it confessed in its half-year update, Tesco and Society: Using Our Scale for Good, produced in association with the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

This is the first time Tesco has revealed such data, and it deserves some credit for doing so, because its shocking figures reignited the public debate on this issue. Take bagged salads, for instance. Tesco estimates that across the UK as a whole (not just Tesco’s own sales), 68% of these are wasted, with 35% thrown out by consumers. From now on, Tesco says, it will no longer be offering us multi-buys on larger bagged salads.

As it happens, consumers are already getting much better at not wasting food. In early November, shortly after Tesco’s news, WRAP published its own updated figures which revealed that since 2007, we’ve reduced avoidable household food waste by 21%.

This improvement may be partly because we’ve been shamed into being more careful: food waste reports have been coming thick and fast. Back in January, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) grabbed the headlines with its Waste Not Want Not report, which estimated that 30-50% of all the food produced on the planet is wasted. Meanwhile, WRAP’s Love Food Hate Waste campaign has been consistently reminding us that our domestic food waste costs the average household £470 a year, rising to £700 for families with children.

Stated in those terms, the cost of food waste really hits home. But it also puts a lot of emphasis on domestic food waste. We don’t hear quite as much about where else waste takes place, and why. In developed countries, waste occurs across the whole supply chain, with about as much lost before the farm gate as afterwards.

The IMechE’s Waste Not Want Not report stated that 30% of produce harvested from the field never reaches the marketplace. Why? Tesco’s waste report disingenuously gives us a figure of less than 1% for retail waste, with much higher figures for field losses, but is quieter on all the reasons those field losses occur.

As anyone who has ever tried to grow some carrots in a garden or window box will know, vegetables can be quite diverse in nature. Some look ‘normal’, but many have lumps, bumps and other imperfections, rather like their growers. In our commercial food system, these are all rejected. Whole fields of cauliflower can be rejected for being too yellow.

It’s easy to blame supermarkets for this, and they do bear a lot of responsibility. Some of their demands for uniformity are related to the ease of processing and packaging, and a whole generation of people have grown up thinking courgettes are always straight.

At the same time, many consumers really do only want the best-looking stuff. At a recent roundtable discussion on food waste I attended, a farmer insisted that they have to grow more than they need to allow for this, because anything imperfect just doesn’t sell. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg issue, and focusing on blame isn’t going to help.

Instead, we need to act. We’re already wasting less at home, and some retailers, such as Waitrose, have introduced cheaper bags of ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables. It’s up to us to buy these and encourage supermarkets to accept more of those gnarled parsnips from their suppliers, rather than leaving them in the field.

Retailers also need to act, and at least Tesco is finally joining the debate and making changes. It’s ending those salad multi-buys, and increasing its use of apples – the dodgy ones, hopefully – in different product ranges, so fewer are wasted.

The most recent good-news story is the launch of a campaign – Vision 2020: UK Roadmap to Zero Food Waste to Landfill – urging producers, retailers, restaurants and consumers to secure a ban on all food waste going into landfill by 2020. The aim is to have compulsory collections of food waste by local councils, ensuring that food waste is harnessed as a resource to provide energy, heat and benefits for agriculture. But if we all keep up the good work, there may not be much to collect.

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