Interview with Kelly Baxter, Tostan Board Chair & Board Member of Tostan Canada
What motivated you to become a leader?
I don’t think I was ever motivated to become a leader as much as I was motivated to make a difference — to get involved in causes where I could make a contribution that was meaningful. Yet, over the many years that I have been involved in social change efforts, I have often found myself in leadership positions. And I think the reason I’ve ended up there is because I am passionate about the causes that are important to me, like Tostan. I work hard, and I love bringing people together to do more together than any of us could accomplish on our own. To me, leadership is really about empowering others to do their best.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to women and girls in leadership?
I think one of the most significant barriers for women and girls is opportunity. I had the good fortune to grow up in a household where both my parents encouraged me to follow my dreams. Both my parents believed in my ability and reinforced in me the belief that I could do or be anything I wanted. I had the privilege of going to a good school where I not only learned, but also developed self-confidence and found my voice. In order for women and girls to have the opportunity to lead, they need to be able to exercise their rights to voice their opinions, to participate, to work. They need to be included in decision-making and treated as equals in order for their leadership capacity have a chance to grow and flourish.
How can women support other women achieving their goals?
As women, we need to continue to accelerate progress toward gender equality so that more women can step into their leadership potential. As a global society we need to increase our investment in women. Right now, less than 2% of philanthropic giving goes toward organizations advancing gender equality.
It has always been my strong belief that women can lift each other up. Women can support other women by being champions for a gender equal world, champions for the human rights we all share, and by creating more opportunities for women to lead and to achieve their goals.
What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?
My advice to the next generation of leaders would be to be brave and step into their leadership, to find their voices and follow their passions, not to be afraid to ask for help when they need it and to be true to their own values. And to remember that leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about bringing out the best in others.
Kelly Baxter, Board Chair
