Sydney recently played host to two significant events that I had the privilege of attending: the electrifying Women’s World Cup and the “Level the Playing Field” DEI Summit hosted by Coca-Cola. Both events, in their distinct ways, painted a picture for me of the progress we've made in gender equity and the journey that lies ahead.
I want to share some of the moments and insights that deeply resonated with me.
Women’s World Cup and the power of representation
While in Sydney, I had the opportunity of witnessing the Women's World Cup live. The Australian Matildas' journey to the semis was a testament to their skill, determination, and the nation's support. Streets were awash with fans donning jerseys of the new Australian sports stars - Sam Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold, and Mary Fowler. The sight of young girls and men alike, proudly wearing these jerseys, was a poignant reminder to me of the power of representation. When young girls see their heroes on a global stage, it sends a clear message: their dreams, too, are valid and achievable. This is gender equity in action – the normalization of women excelling, leading, and being celebrated in spaces that have traditionally excluded them.
John Murphy, Coca-Cola Company President and CFO, Phearong Shedung, Executive Director of Banteay Srei and former Kiva borrower, and Vishal Ghotge, CEO of Kiva, in Sydney
A first hand view of Kiva’s ripple effects
One of the most profound moments for me, as the new CEO of Kiva, was witnessing firsthand the ripple effects of our work. Phearong Shedung, a former Kiva borrower turned gender equity leader, joined me for Coca-Cola’s DEI summit and inspired everyone with her life-story.
Panelists during The Coca-Cola Level the Playing Field event, including Phearong and Vishal (middle two)
Growing up in rural Cambodia with expectations to marry young and start a family, Phearong defied those societal norms and charted her own path. She convinced her parents to allow her to pursue higher education and with the help of Kiva-partner Wedu, secured a Kiva loan to cover her expenses. She set herself an aspirational goal to lead nonprofit or NGO within a decade
Nine years later, Phearong has not only achieved her Bachelors and Masters degrees but has also risen to serve as the Executive Director of Banteay Srei, an organization that empowers over 3,000 Cambodian families annually through women-centric community projects and advocacy.
Phearong's journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of determination and support. She has leveraged her success to uplift thousands of other women. Her story highlights the broader impact of Kiva, which we see with so many of Kiva loans, that when women receive financial empowerment, the benefits extend, touching families, communities, and spanning regions.
Grace and grit: Malala's leadership journey
The event’s keynote speaker was Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai; and listening to her left an indelible mark on me. While Malala's story of resilience and bravery is globally renowned, hearing her perspective added depth to my understanding. She humbly emphasized that her journey might have been that of any girl from her village. Beyond her own courage, a significant factor in her journey was the steadfast support of her father. Despite societal pressures, he ensured she had the liberty to pursue her dreams, playing a crucial role in her story.
This narrative not only highlighted the pivotal role allies play in championing gender equality but also showcased Malala's grace in recognizing her father’s support and contributions as a driver of her success. This blend of talent, grace, and confidence was a recurring theme among many of the women leaders at the conference and to me it epitomizes modern leadership. It's a reminder that strength doesn't always roar; often, it can take the form of a steadfast assurance stemming from deep conviction.
On a lighter note, a chance encounter with Malala while touring the Sydney Cricket Ground revealed a shared passion - Cricket 🙂
Vishal with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai
The power of partnerships: Amplifying impact through collaboration
The strength of any mission-driven organization lies not just in its vision but in its ability to forge powerful partnerships. Which is why the partnership we announced with The Coca-Cola Foundation in Sydney was so exciting. The launch of the Change Make Her initiative, unveiled to thunderous applause, is more than just a partnership; it's a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across diverse regions and sectors.
With a vision spanning the next five years, this initiative aims to support entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia, South Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and Europe across areas like sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, water, and retail. With the partnership set up as a revolving loan fund, it ensures that the impact of a $1.1 million grant in 2023 could potentially amplify to a $4.5 million impact on loan volume by 2028.
But beyond the numbers, partnerships like these underscore the importance of allies in our journey. Just as Malala highlighted the pivotal role her father played as an ally in her life, organizations too need allies to champion their cause. I am thankful to Coca-Cola Foundation and all our partners for being strong allies in Kiva’s journey.
John Murphy, President and CFO of The Coca-Cola Company, and Vishal Ghotge, CEO of Kiva, announcing the new partnership between the organizations
In reflection
Attending this summit as Kiva's CEO wasn't just about representing our organization. It confirmed my belief that Kiva is not on the sidelines, but rather actively contributing to the global push for gender equity. This summit underscored a fundamental truth for me: real, tangible progress in gender equity is within reach when organizations, individuals, and communities unite with a shared vision.
Onwards and upwards,
🙏💚
Vishal Ghotge
