Ask Sheryl WuDunn - October 1, 2012 discussion

Welcome to the group! Sheryl will be answering questions 4pm EST/1pm PST on Monday, October 1, 2012. Make sure to ask your questions in advance so she can answer them!

Hi Sheryl,

I was wondering if there were any stories that you found particularly moving that you were not able to fit into the final copy of Half the Sky. Were there any points that you felt were very important yet just could not get into the final draft? It's a fascinating read and I wish it never ended!

Thanks,
Caroline

Hi Sheryl,

First, thank you so much for the work that you do. Your book inspired me to drastically change direction on my women's travel website www.worldette.com as I was building it. Now, thanks to Half the Sky, which we credit on the site, we place the stories that need coverage directly in the hands of an audience that cares: women who travel.

My question is: how do you not get angry when reporting some of the injustices you uncover? As a journalist one of my biggest takeaways from your book was how you and husband were careful never to apportion blame, rather you both display a determined call for change without being emotional nor confrontational. I've struggled with this in my own writing and when reading certain stories, however, while I appreciate to best serve we need to not be so emotional involved, I wonder how you find a balance to do this over and over again?

Kind regards

Marie

Hi Sheryl,

Reading your book has been such a great inspiration to me. I have since desired to change my career in order to help women in developing countries but I have found it is a difficult field to get into. What recommendations do you have for someone like me that has a desire to make this a full-time focus in their life? I have a BA in Humanities but are graduate degrees a must? Any words of caution or additional advice? Thank you!

Dear Sheryl,

Your book, which could have been incredibly depressing, was in fact uplifting and inspiring. One of its best features other than the extraordinary stories was the list of resources at the back of the book for people who want to get involved in being part of the solution to the problems you describe, including websites, phone numbers and email addresses. I live in Los Angeles, and want to compile a comprehensive list of similar agencies to deal with local poverty, lack of education and jobs, homelessness, women's health issues and food deserts. I know you have focused on the plight of women in 'third world' countries. Is there a particular reason you have chosen not to focus on inner city problems in industrialized nations? Thanks for the outstanding work you do!

Hi Sheryl,

I LOVE the book. It was life changing and the final push I needed to change careers!

My question is: Why aren't more people talking about these issues? In the US alone, our maternal mortality rate is increasing. We are one of the only developed nations to not have paid maternity leave. On a global scale we are doing well, but if we can't have an honest conversation domestically about contraception and reproductive health, how can we expect our political representation to understand the global issues facing women? What can be done?

Many thanks,
Brandy

Source: http://www.savethechildren.org/atf/cf...

Thank you for your excellent book. Like others here, for me it was life-changing and helped bring a focus to my scattered attempts to find a way to leave the world a better place than I found it.

Raising awareness beyond those who have, or will, read Half the Sky seems very important. The PBS special is bound to help. Are there other projects planned? A movie perhaps?

Bruce Sharpe

It takes extreme fortitude and bravery to write a book like, “Half The Sky”, for that we all thank you! I can relate to much of the suffering that you wrote about and it exhilarated me with an urge to make a positive impact but my urge subsides reluctantly baffled by histories lessons. Specifically, connecting the lessons in your book to those learned by Confucius, over 2000 years ago, must we always find a monetary way to motivate those in power to act ethically? If you think so, that simplifies things and allows us the opportunity to focus on only those solutions that are feasible. Are we limited to only that road?

Good moring, Ms. WuDunn -- I have been a fan of yours (and Nick's) since reading "China wakes" prior to my first adoption trip to China in the mid 1990's. Last year I gave "Half the Sky" to most of the women (sisters, daughters, friends) as Christmas gifts. So far it seems that only my daughters and I have been moved by the incredible and powerful stories in your book. How do I continue to influence the complacent (or distracted) people in my life? How do I help to challenge them to think beyond their own backyards?

Likewise, your book moved me greatly.
In the UK where I am based, the report was issued last week on the 'Rochdale case' in which 9 men from the area - a town in North West England - were jailed for sexually grooming girls from the age of 13. This report indicated that Social Services and the police could have done much more to prevent and/or halt the abuse which took place, raising many questions about how such complaints of abuse and rape are dealt with.

For one thing, it is said that the authorities were concerned about being perceived as racist and were afraid of stirring up unrest by pursuing the Asian perpetrators. Another aspect is the determination of whether sex can ever be consensual once the young person reaches the age of consent, if they have been subjected to intense psychological pressures through grooming. I'd be interested in your perspective on the above, and the challenges of dealing with cultural differences and attitudes to women which are also plainly present in the Western world.

HI Sheryl,

I LOVE your book. I was required to read it for my Anthro: Globalization and the Human Condition course at my university. Even after I read it as a requirement, I read the whole book again on an airplane ride to New Orleans.

As an Asian American women, reading the atrocities of things that happened to girls in Cambodia to the fistulas in Africa really touched me.

One question I would like to ask is: As Nick being a white man, what negatives or positives do you see his white privilege playing a part in his meetings with these girls--or in the journey of eradicating violence against women overall?

When choosing an NGO to support that will address these critical issues around the world what do you think are the most important criteria to use to determine the NGOs effectiveness in accomplishing their mission? And how do you assess this?

Hi Sheryl!

First of all, I just wanted to say thanks for writing such an amazing book. I have read a number of books on similar issues, and your book approaches them in a completely different way. I feel like reading it really changed my life. I saw a pre-screening of part if the documentary last week, and I cannot wait to see the rest over the next two nights.
I have had the opportunity to travel to a few countries in Africa and do volunteer work. The overall situation and the individual stories I heard truly broke my heart. It was very difficult for me to not just pass out all of money. I also find myself feeling guilty on occasion for the luxuries provided in the United States. How are you able to distance yourself enough from the people you interview to not personally intervene with each case? Are there situations where you do intervene and provide personal financial assistance to your interview subjects? And how do you feel about it afterwards?

Thanks!

Hello Sheryl, I was also very moved by your book. I have been looking for ways to help and wanted to run an idea by you.

I am always attending shopping parties. Silpada jewelry, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, candles, cooking, etc. It usually ends up that guests spend anywhere from $50 to over $100 on items we really do not need.

I was thinking of creating a "Half the Sky" party. Where women get together and everyone donates $25 to an organization to help other women of the world. Whether it is loaning money for business or donating for schools, etc. Maybe there is a 10-15 minute video that everyone watched and then each person uses the hosts computer to make their donation.

A site can be set up for each hostess with the links to ensure they donate to a reputable organization and it can also track how much was donated per party. Maybe a company would partner to give out hostess gifts and party gifts.

Please let me know your thoughts, this is really just a rough idea and not sure if it is being done already.
Goodreads, interested in helping???? :)
Thanks!

Hi Sheryl,
Thank you so much for your work, which has been life-changing to me personally, and has provided such critical information to those wanting to get involved with the modern abolition movement. We have become strong supporters of programs that empower women both domestically and internationally. I realize how deeply rooted and complex this issue is, but I am wondering if you know of any programs anywhere that are specifically addressing the "demand" side of this issue; Programs that are perhaps addressing the core cultural and gender identity belief systems that propagate the mistreatment of women in all it's forms? And if so, is there anything that is working?

Hi Patti! My name is Tatiana, I am working with the production company that is airing a documentary version of Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. Your idea sounds wonderful! I'll leave Sheryl to answer all your great questions, but with regards to fundraising I wanted to point you to our Crowdrise page: http://www.crowdrise.com/halftheskymo.... Here, you can donate to partners of the Half the Sky Movement, including many organizations that we filmed with all over the world! And you could form a team to fundraise, which should help with motivation. You should tune in to the broadcast tonight on PBS at 9pm / 8pm CT, many of the videos on our youtube page (www.youtube.com/user/HalfSkyMovement) stem from the longer documentary. Hope this helped!
Feel free to contact me if you have any other specific questions.

Hello mrs. WuDunn,

Thank you for all of the work you do! I read Half the Sky as part of my journey into what I want to do with the rest of my life and it was very inspiring. I am a mother of two and they are soon leaving the nest and I would like to start creating a career for myself in this field. I do not have a degree. My question to you is where do you recommend someone in my situation to begin? Is it imperative to have a degree and if so is there one degree that is better than another? Thank you for your time and advice!

Dear Sherly,

I know you've worked on your book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide with your husband Nicholas Kristof. First off, you two wrote an incredible story bringing attention to one of the most horrific tragedies that has been holding back societies from any sort of growth that will mobilize awareness and bring change.

That being said, how was traveling and writing this story with your spouse? Did you two ever get into certain arguments about what should and shouldn't be put into the book? Who writes which parts or how do you two delegate how the work is distributed? Do you like working directly with your husband and do you think it helps your relationship?

Thank you again for this amazing book!

Hi Sheryl,

Tatiana, Show of Force intern here. Thank you so much for all your work! Though I've seen the documentary countless times now I still get sentimental watching these stories, and hearing your uplifting message.

On your husband's recent Reddit AMA, he wrote that sweatshops transformed your native village of Taishan in China. Could you talk about what your IDEAL form of economic empowerment would look like in impoverished areas of the world?

Hi Sheryl,

Thanks for all your hard work, insight, and inspiration. 'Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide' has developed into an entire movement. I was wondering at what point in your research/writing/journey did you think that this needed to be bigger than a book? Were there any specific places/people/stories that particularly inspired you to help start this movement?

Hi Sheryl,
I'm so much looking forward to tonight's PBS premiere! What were some the differences you experienced working with film as a medium, as opposed to writing?

Thanks!

Renée

Hello,

First off, thank you for a great, informative read. My question for you is about the aftermath of writing this book and now creating this documentary. How have you changed/grown since all of this? Have you maintained contact with the women profiled in the book, and if so, how have things changed for them?

Thank you for your time!

Hi Sheryl! Wow, did this book open my eyes. I thought I had seen a lot during my teaching in Ha Noi, but I have much to learn. I simply became enthralled with these women. In the book you mention that most people donate money to help, but this isn't what is needed the most. Can you talk a little bit more about this, especially in terms of what we can do individually or with our families to help mitigate the current situation? Of course the easiest way is to write a check, but what really needs to happen first? I'm also a high school English teacher and would love to hear your opinion on ways to get the youth involved. Thanks!

Sheryl,

I have loved you since I first read "China Wakes." And while your husband is on my reading list more often, the influence you have on his writing and passion for helping others is apparent.

Your work is transformative for many who dare to ready your books, but Half the Sky is something very special.

Many of my questions are already on this discussion board so I won't be redundant. I have been to a couple of 'author' talks (most recently in McMinnville) where your husband has been featured but I have missed seeing you.

I wanted to say I admire you....thank you for the work you do in bringing awareness to the plight of those in fractured countries and helping us find a path to help them.

Jere Witherspoon

Caroline wrote: "Hi Sheryl,

I was wondering if there were any stories that you found particularly moving that you were not able to fit into the final copy of Half the Sky. Were there any points that you felt were ..."

HI Caroline: There are so many moving stories, unfortunately, but you can see them yourself if you travel to places that aren't nearly as remote. There are some even in our own backyard -- in the U.S. It's a great discovery to find them on your own, too!

Jere wrote: "Sheryl,

I have loved you since I first read "China Wakes." And while your husband is on my reading list more often, the influence you have on his writing and passion for helping others is appare..."

Thank you, Jere. And how cool that you also liked China Wakes! Glad you joined us early!

Michelle wrote: "Hi Sheryl! Wow, did this book open my eyes. I thought I had seen a lot during my teaching in Ha Noi, but I have much to learn. I simply became enthralled with these women. In the book you mention..."

Hi Michelle: Yes, there are many ways you can help. You can send books, if you are a teacher and know great books children should read! Also even being a pen pal to a teacher in a foreign country, as they need moral support, along with advice, teaching tips, etc., from others just like teachers here in the US do. And there is always good old-fashioned writing to your congressperson -- really, to tell them that this is a policy issue that you care about. Good luck in choosing your way!

Shana wrote: "Hello,

First off, thank you for a great, informative read. My question for you is about the aftermath of writing this book and now creating this documentary. How have you changed/grown since all o..."

Hi Shana:
It's hard not to learn from these experiences! We have kept in touch with some of the women, not all, as they are in remote places that we can't easily get to and that are not connected to the internet. But the women we have kept in touch with, Edna Adan, Urmi Basu, Amie, they are all great, but they all still need help from the West. For instance, Edna wants to train 1,000 mid-wives to journey out into the rural areas on foot as mobile clinics or medical entrepreneurs! Isn't that a great goal?

Renée wrote: "Hi Sheryl,
I'm so much looking forward to tonight's PBS premiere! What were some the differences you experienced working with film as a medium, as opposed to writing?

Thanks!

Renée"

Hi Renee:

Film is much more collaborative, but also very rewarding!

Travis wrote: "Hi Sheryl,

Thanks for all your hard work, insight, and inspiration. 'Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide' has developed into an entire movement. I was wondering a..."

Hi Travis:

I think it all expanded very organically. And we love people like you to join and bring along others with you to join. Heaven help us, if the train left without us. And after helping build this movement, we can look back one day and say, yes, we helped. Horrors, if it were: sorry, we sat by and just watched...

Tatiana wrote: "Hi Sheryl,

Tatiana, Show of Force intern here. Thank you so much for all your work! Though I've seen the documentary countless times now I still get sentimental watching these stories, and hearing..."

Tatiana:
nice to meet you. I have no IDEAL form of empowerment. There are certain requirements: education and acceptance of women in the working world. But let's not be rigid. Let's be pleasantly surprised by the innovation in the space of empowerment. Each country has its own special characteristics...to each his own, as long as they do it!

Eddie wrote: "Dear Sherly,

I know you've worked on your book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide with your husband Nicholas Kristof. First off, you two wrote an incredibl..."

Hi Eddie:
Too bad, I rarely travel with my husband. We split up the work, just as partners on a project. We each have our own separate day jobs and sometimes go days without seeing each other, so there's no problem when we get a chance to work on a project together! It's great! Believe me, raising kids is MUCH harder!

Jennifer wrote: "Hello mrs. WuDunn,

Thank you for all of the work you do! I read Half the Sky as part of my journey into what I want to do with the rest of my life and it was very inspiring. I am a mother of two ..."

Dear Jennifer, Lucky you! You get to choose, and that's the fun part. Pick a topic you really like, depending upon what speaks to your passion. Then pick a part of the world you want to go to. Then find a non-profit group or an organization that does good work there. Find some friends to go with you, and you're off!

Marcy wrote: "Hi Sheryl,
Thank you so much for your work, which has been life-changing to me personally, and has provided such critical information to those wanting to get involved with the modern abolition move..."

Yes, try Rachel Lloyed at GEMS, an organization based in NYC. Rachel is amazing!

Patti wrote: "Hello Sheryl, I was also very moved by your book. I have been looking for ways to help and wanted to run an idea by you.

I am always attending shopping parties. Silpada jewelry, Tastefully Simple,..."

Patti:

I like that idea. It is a spin off of Dining for Women, where they hold dinner parties and donate to a charity. You can do it on your own or maybe you can join them. We need more creative people like you thinking of new ways to get people involved! Good luck!

Jacey wrote: "Hi Sheryl!

First of all, I just wanted to say thanks for writing such an amazing book. I have read a number of books on similar issues, and your book approaches them in a completely different way...."

Dear Jacey:
Of course we give personally as well. You have to find your own special way that makes sense for you. We built a school, as we think that schools are very important. And we have done many other things. Try something different every year or two.

Ronda wrote: "When choosing an NGO to support that will address these critical issues around the world what do you think are the most important criteria to use to determine the NGOs effectiveness in accomplishin..."

Ronda: Great question. Many people start with Charity Navigator. Sometimes with foreign NGOs, though, administrative costs are off the charts and it's a matter of just getting the work done or not. So one can't rely totally on Charity Navigator, but it's a start. Due diligence takes time: get to know the people in the organization, ask questions (do they know what they are doing? do they care? Are they experts?), go on a trip with them, ask your friends about their experiences, do some research. The hardest part: just getting started!

Thao wrote: "HI Sheryl,

I LOVE your book. I was required to read it for my Anthro: Globalization and the Human Condition course at my university. Even after I read it as a requirement, I read the whole book ag..."

I don't think it matters where you come from if you care and want to help. And we all have our strengths and weaknesses, and you play to your strengths and shore up your weaknesses -- even if it means white skin, right?

Christine wrote: "Likewise, your book moved me greatly.
In the UK where I am based, the report was issued last week on the 'Rochdale case' in which 9 men from the area - a town in North West England - were jailed f..."

Christine: yes, a touch question. I think that in every case, one has to approach these situations with a delicate and thoughtful touch. But we do need to act and consult people and think about solutions. I'm sorry to hear they were let off easily....Also, consensual is often a loose term. No one loves to be a prostitute, but they are often in it because they feel they have no where else to go. How consensual is that?

Dear Sheryl,

When I first read your book I was 16 years old, and I became completely inspired by it. I'm now in college, unsure of what to study, and I was wondering what kind of work I, and other young people around the world, need to be doing to help stop the social and economic prejudices against women. People seem to disregard my passion about this subject as some sort of passing political fad. How do you persuade people that this problem isn't simply going to go away? Many seem to think that things like rape or kidnappings can't possibly be happening to women and girls around the world at the scale we know that they are. How can I help others see that we are not exaggerating or misrepresenting the way women and girls are being treated around the world?

You are an inspiration to me, and more importantly, these girls are an inspiration to me. They have taught me about love, perseverance, and hard work. Through your writings, I feel like I know them. I think about them all the time and the millions of other girls still in captivity socially or economically who need their stories told. Keep doing what you're doing - your impact is incredible.

Sincerely,

Lauren Sasine

MaryNell wrote: "Good moring, Ms. WuDunn -- I have been a fan of yours (and Nick's) since reading "China wakes" prior to my first adoption trip to China in the mid 1990's. Last year I gave "Half the Sky" to most o..."

MaryNell: that is such a good question. we need to bring along the men in our world as well. it's a social change that needs to happen, and that includes all members of society, especially men! Ask them to come up with a good solution!

Kimberly wrote: "It takes extreme fortitude and bravery to write a book like, “Half The Sky”, for that we all thank you! I can relate to much of the suffering that you wrote about and it exhilarated me with an urge..."

Kimberly: We are not necessarily limited to that road, but it is a key road. People need to live first -- to eat, have shelter, raise their kids. After that, then they will want the spiritual things in life. Keep going!

Gauss256 wrote: "Thank you for your excellent book. Like others here, for me it was life-changing and helped bring a focus to my scattered attempts to find a way to leave the world a better place than I found it.
..."

Tonite is the documentary. We have a Facebook game in late November, 18 educational videos, mobile games, school curricula and more.....join us!

Deborah wrote: "Dear Ms. WuDunn,

As others have mentioned, your book is incredibly inspiring, and for me was part of the push to send me to grad school in pursuit of an International Development degree.

I am p..."

You just have to keep trying. How many times did Ben Franklin try before he discovered electricity?

Hi Sheryl,

You are an amazing woman and I am happy that you are shedding light on these issues that happen in the shadows of inequality and oppression.

My question for you is: what can people like me do to help these women? Is a donation enough? Is advocacy enough? I want to be more proactive and help make a difference in the lives of these women, what would you recommend I do? I am very passionate about these issues and feel that I should be doing more.

Thank you,

-Vanessa Avila

I just wanted to thank you for the great music and the book which I read when it was first published. Since then I have lent my copy out a couple of times to friends whom I thought would be interested. Both times the book came back not read. I think this is a book that deserves a study guide. A few years ago I participated in a church group that read Menu for the Future put together by the NW Earth Institute. It was illuminating. Half the Sky would fit this mold as well.

Jane wrote: "I just wanted to thank you for the great music and the book which I read when it was first published. Since then I have lent my copy out a couple of times to friends whom I thought would be interes..."

Brandy wrote: "Hi Sheryl,

I LOVE the book. It was life changing and the final push I needed to change careers!

My question is: Why aren't more people talking about these issues? In the US alone, our materna..."

Dear Brandy:

yes, indeed, we need to discuss these issues in our own backyard. I think it actually is going on, believe it or not. I have found that starting with Half the Sky, where the issues are global, is a great starting point. Ultimately, the conversation always comes back to what we are doing at home, and that organic approach is great! Yes, we need to spread the word among friends, blogs, social media, etc. Please keep it up, everyone!

Ellen wrote: "Dear Sheryl,

Your book, which could have been incredibly depressing, was in fact uplifting and inspiring. One of its best features other than the extraordinary stories was the list of resources at..."

Dear Ellen: yes, this should be done, and I think it's a great idea. We just had to draw a line in the sand, and let someone else pick up the other side. Maybe it is you!

Emily wrote: "Hi Sheryl,

Reading your book has been such a great inspiration to me. I have since desired to change my career in order to help women in developing countries but I have found it is a difficult fi..."

Dear Ellen:

A graduate degree isn't a must, but it can help. I think for-profit sector experience is also very, very valuable. NGOs need skills from all walks of life, and if you have a background in for-profit operations, that's a real plus. I would encourage you to develop a real skill and then volunteer for organizations that you might want to work for. If an NGO says they can't take volunteers, go to the next one! Most NGOs need lots of volunteers.