STRONG WOMEN, STRONGER WORLD

MESSAGE FROM IIW BOARD DIRECTOR

I am indeed happy to send a message to the website of Inner Wheel District 322 for the incoming year 2022/2023.

The whole world is facing a very turbulent time due to global warming, the food crisis, and economic crisis leading to ill health and malnutrition. It is more so in our country and this situation will not resolve itself as fast as we would wish. As we all know, it is the mothers and wives who have to carry most of the stress and burdens of these bad times as they somehow try to feed their families, provide clothing, and educate their children, while quite often taking on the additional responsibilities of looking after aged parents. These same mothers and wives also at times work to bring in a double income for the family, or perhaps have little choice other than to be the breadwinners for their families. Yet they manage it all, moreover finding the strength and the energy to help the less fortunate as well through organisations such as Inner Wheel. They are indeed superwomen who work wonders. The theme for 2022-2023 WORK WONDERS chosen by our International Inner Wheel (IIW) President Zenida Farcon is thus most appropriate in these times.

While 2022-2023 will undoubtedly be a challenging year for all of us, I believe it will also be an opportunity to serve as much as we can while enjoying the closeness and fellowship when working together towards a good cause, which is what Inner Wheel is all about. As Mother Theresa said “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

The food crisis can be overcome to a certain extent by encouraging home gardening plots in our communities. If we encourage people to grow vegetables, fruits and yams by providing some of them with seeds they will at least have their daily food. Most of the people (about 70% of our population) are not able to afford the three meals our country was used to. This will cause malnutrition and health issues. If the plots are small or there is no garden space, they can be encouraged to grow plants in pots or bags. However, if they are blessed with bigger gardens they can share their produce with others or sell the excess to buy the other necessities.

Another contributing factor that challenges us is global warming. We cannot leave everything to the government authorities. It is time we did our part too. If we all contribute in action, however small, collectively it will be substantial. Implementing the 3R concept “reduce, reuse and recycle” to the best of our ability will lead to a more equitable and prosperous future. Let us work hard towards our centenary and mark the beginning of a greener world. Many people have taken our forests and oceans for granted and abused them. It is time to rectify our mistakes and give back to minimize the damage caused and steer in a more positive direction. This will work wonders to lift the community even in a small way from all the crises facing us. If we try, the universe will conspire to help us achieve the good we want for the communities we serve, and as Albert Einstein once said “only a life lived in the service to others is worth living”.

Have a happy, healthy and enjoyable 2022-2023.