Kavita Ramdas, senior advisor for the Global Fund for Women, spoke Tuesday night, Nov. 8 in McCrary Theater on the effect of women's movements in bringing about social change.

Born in Delhi, India, Ramdas has served as president and CEO of the Global Fund for Women since 1996. During her tenure, the Global Fund for Women's assets increased from $6 to $21 million and has expanded to reward grants in 160 countries.

In her lecture "Ripples to Waves," Ramdas explained how women's movements are causing social and gender equality changes around the world.

Ramdas explained that women are meeting the challenges of gender equality. Rather than asking for permission to participate, women are asking what they can bring to the table.

"How can we create a world where our femininity is celebrated, not oppressed?" she asked. The answer: "[Have women] not stand up there as tokens but stand up for what they need."

But what has kept women disempowered? Poverty, she said. Ramdas referenced a survey that stated more than 50 percent of U.S. citizens are living below the poverty line — the equivalent of a family of four living on $10,000 a year. And most of the impoverished are women and children.

But this goal of gender equality is attainable through the implementation of women in politics, Ramdas said.

"We are moving from a world with fairly stable expectations to a world where we don't really know what's going on," she said. "It's not set in stone."

As a first step, Ramdas introduced CEDAW - the United Nations Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. CEDAW has yet to be signed by the United States.

"This treaty would challenge traditional gender roles," she said, and would threaten the fiber of society. Ramdas challenged the United States to place the bill into effect and lead by example.

She shared how having personally been raised with a woman in power caused her to never doubt her abilities. "My own vision ... is a world where the principles of compassion, of equality are the rules of the game," she said.

What does the future hold for women in their struggle for equality? Ramdas summarized her opinion in her favorite quote from Arundhati Roy.

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way," Ramdas read. "On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing"