Here is the latter half of Ronelle’s after story!
(If you missed it, you can read the first half of the story here: [LINK])
Future Vision ~True Equality~
With only five years remaining to achieve the SDGs, the situation of gender equality is still challenging worldwide. How do you see the future of the movement? Are there any specific long-term goals or milestones you’re working towards?
A vision for the coming years is to establish a leading organization in this area—not by being the biggest, but by having the most meaningful impact. I aim to touch as many lives as possible, create lasting change, and support other organizations because much of our success is attributed to the organizations that came before us, those we’re working alongside, and those that will come up after us.
From the beginning, I knew this would be a long-term commitment, possibly half my life or even more. The impact that has been built up over a long history on gender relations is not something that can be resolved in just a few years. So I set goals in five-year phases, measuring success by what is achieved within each period. If goals are not fully reached, they roll into the next phase—“I don’t see it as failure, just part of the long journey.”
What would you hope the world will look like in a few years?
“More diverse, equal, and inclusive.”
I believe that rights are not a limited resource. If someone gains rights, it does not mean others lose theirs. There’s a saying in Barbados: “Many hands make light work.” For example, if four people lift a box together, it’s much easier than if one person tries to do it alone.
In short, if people work together to make the world more inclusive and equal, they all benefit. When some face oppression, violence, or lack of access to education, it does not just harm those individuals; it harms communities, countries, and ultimately the world. Real progress is when everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.
Most of all, I wish for women to have even more support, and for their rights to grow stronger—especially when they stand up to seek justice for themselves.
Empowering Women and Carrying the Legacy Forward
You are such an empowering woman, and I’m curious—how do you keep your motivation? What keeps you going, even during difficult moments?
What keeps me going is the hope that one day women will not have to experience what I did—and for those who do, I want them to have the support and opportunities I did not. My goal is for women to reach their full potential and continue driving change long after I’m gone.
There are even days when I feel tired, depressed, or wonder, “Why am I doing this?”—because this work is really heavy. But I remind myself that I stand on the shoulders of women before me, who fought for rights and made sacrifices to create opportunities I now benefit from. I see myself as part of a relay—taking the baton they passed to me, doing my best, and handing it off to the next generation. Along the way, I’ll strive to accomplish as much as I can.
“Just Start”
Lastly, as someone with a dream for a better society, could you share a message with those who aspire to make a similar impact or who are passionate about pursuing their dreams?
My advice is simple, “Just start.” People often doubt themselves, wondering if they have the right skills or comparing themselves to others who seem perfect. But you never know the struggles others carry.
Even though I was seemed to be calm when speaking publicly, I deal with anxiety and moments of self-doubt, “Am I the right person to do this?” However, what drives me is knowing the change I want to achieve—and I know that I can do it.
There’s no perfect time to start, and failure is part of the process. You learn, adjust, seek help, and come back stronger. The comeback is always bigger than the setback!
Thank you so much for your inspiring message! I truly appreciate the time and insights you’ve shared here, and I’m grateful for the lasting impact your work continues to have.
As Ronelle leads the movement for gender equality across the Caribbean, she’s not only shaping the present but also paving the way for future generations of leaders. Her journey reminds us all that creating impact doesn’t require perfection—just the courage to start, no matter how small.
Ronelle’s story challenges each of us: what first step will you take toward making an impact?
(One World on One Web – Do you want to share your dream to the WORLD? )