Eliza Reid Advocates For Storytelling As A Powerful Tool For Social Change At Global Women’s Forum

At the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024, Eliza Reid, former First Lady of Iceland, highlighted the transformative power of storytelling. She urged individuals to share their unique stories truthfully to effect social change. Reid's message resonated with attendees, including H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mona Ghanem Al Marri, emphasising the universal impact of personal narratives.

During a session led by Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Reid discussed how storytelling transcends cultural boundaries. She noted that stories unite people from diverse backgrounds and histories. "Storytelling is something that is important, that distinguishes us as human beings," she stated, highlighting its role in connecting cultures like those of Iceland and the UAE.

Reid shared insights into Iceland's journey towards gender equality. The nation leads the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index due to deliberate efforts. A pivotal moment occurred in 1975 when 90% of Icelandic women took a day off work, sparking significant progress in gender inclusion. This event underscored women's societal contributions and solidarity.

"When women gather together to show the value of what women contribute to society, and also to show that we can stand in solidarity with each other, it will really help to improve things," Reid explained. Iceland's history includes having the first democratically elected female head of state globally, who served from 1980 to 1996.

Reid also addressed the influence of social media on today's youth. She acknowledged its potential for connection but cautioned about its impact on tolerance levels. "Social media is shortening our tolerance, and we need our dopamine hits quickly these days," she remarked, stressing the importance of fostering understanding through these platforms.

An Icelandic proverb Reid quoted translates to "to walk with a book in the belly," symbolising everyone's inherent story waiting to be shared. She encouraged embracing this tradition as a means of contributing uniquely to global discourse.

The forum highlighted how storytelling can drive societal change by bridging cultural divides and promoting gender equality. Reid's insights into Iceland's achievements serve as an inspiration for similar initiatives worldwide.

With inputs from WAM