Women and Political Power: An Inner Odyssey

In a world where heroic narratives are often dominated by male figures, it is crucial to redefine the “Hero’s Journey” so that it also reflects the experience of women. The journey of initiation is not the preserve of men; it is a universal quest for transformation, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles, which concerns women just as much. Through my writing and field observations, I have observed that women, although underrepresented in spheres of power, possess immense inner strength, often revealed through extraordinary situations.

Redefining Female Heroism

Heroism, as traditionally conceived, is often associated with acts of physical bravery, conquest, and struggle against tangible enemies. However, for women, heroism often takes a more subtle but equally powerful form: resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges, the struggle against unjust systems, and the search for integrity in an often hostile world. The true hero's journey, for many women, begins when they decide to assert themselves in environments that seek to marginalize or control them. This journey is an inner odyssey, a struggle to preserve their dignity, their ethics, and to assert their place in a world that seeks to silence them.

Inner Strength: An Answer to the Thirst for Domination

In power structures controlled predominantly by men, whether public or private, the thirst for domination becomes a gangrene that corrupts not only institutions but also human relationships. Women, often perceived as peripheral actors in these environments, must draw on their inner strength to navigate these troubled waters. This inner strength is manifested in the ability to say no to injustice, to stand up against corruption, and to act despite threats, whether direct or insidious. This courage, this determination, is the very essence of the hero's journey for women. It is not just a matter of survival, but of transformation: transforming pain into power, oppression into action, and obstacles into stepping stones to greater freedom.

My testimony: the strength of women in the face of adversity

Through my three books, inspired by my experiences within international organizations and as an advisor to various governments, I wanted to illustrate this initiatory journey of women. Women Among Wolves is directly inspired by these realities. The heroine, Anaïs, leaves an ordinary life to face a world where corruption and manipulation are omnipresent, discovering within herself an unsuspected strength that pushes her to fight for justice. The Golem Project or the Shadows of the Mind, meanwhile, draws on the myth of the Golem to explore how a woman, confronted with dark forces and destructive powers, finds the courage to confront them, a metaphor for the power struggles I have observed in my professional career. Finally, my political essay, United Nations: Analysis of a democratic drift, denounces corruption within international organizations and offers a reflection on the crucial role that women must play in restoring ethics in these structures. Each book highlights how ordinary women, often ignored in spheres of power, can become heroes by discovering and using their inner strength in the face of extraordinary challenges.

Overcoming Obstacles: Towards Greater Female Participation in Politics

It is undeniable that women still hold too few leadership positions in politics, a field where they often face a hostile and sexist environment. The reasons for this underrepresentation are numerous: sexism and discrimination, the difficulty of balancing private and professional life, a lack of support and networks, self-censorship, and political violence. However, it is possible to overcome these obstacles.

To begin with, it is essential to create more inclusive political environments where women feel respected and supported. Political parties must take concrete steps to encourage female participation, such as establishing gender quotas, implementing work-life balance policies, and actively combating sexism and violence in politics. Furthermore, it is crucial to strengthen support networks for women, providing mentors, training, and professional development opportunities. This cannot be achieved

Self-confidence is another key aspect. Encouraging women to believe in their abilities and to take the plunge, even in hostile environments, is fundamental. This can be facilitated by promoting female role models in politics, who serve as examples and inspiration. Finally, it is important to change the perception of politics itself, highlighting its potential to bring about positive change and demonstrating that women's participation is essential for fair and effective governance.

Solutions exist to initiate this cultural change: educational programs, awareness-raising sessions, promoting positive female role models in politics, strengthening female support networks, transforming political parties, combating stereotypes and stigma; implementing women's leadership programs, and mobilizing male allies. But all these solutions require a change in the mindsets of women themselves.

The crucial role of women in the fight for an ethical world

Women are not mere spectators in power dynamics; they are essential actors in the struggle for a more ethical and just world. The hero's journey, in this context, becomes a collective mission to eradicate corruption, restore balance to power structures, and create spaces where the values of respect, justice, and solidarity prevail. It is through their commitment, their refusal to bow to the dictates of a world dominated by the lust for power, that women can transform institutions from within. Their contribution is indispensable to building a future where ethics is not only preached, but lived every day.

Conclusion

The hero's journey, when reclaimed by women, becomes a powerful testament to their ability to overcome the most difficult obstacles and bring about profound and lasting change. It is not just an individual quest, but a call to all women to believe in their power of transformation. The message I wish to convey through my writing and my experience is simple: nothing is impossible for women, even in the face of a predominantly masculine force. They have not only the ability but also the responsibility to play a central role in the fight against corruption and for a more ethical world. Their journey is a beacon of light for all those seeking to chart their own path in an often hostile world.