© Andrea Leoncavallo
In the Zone
Founder’s Pulse
feel the most alive when I am on my bicycle. My legs are pumping, the wind is whipping my hair, and the blood is pounding in my ears. I’m “in the zone,” soaring fast. My mind and body are in sync, the endorphins rise, and my biggest breakthrough ideas and visions strike. I often think that one of the most radical societal shifts we could imagine would be a world where all women and girls feel free and powerful in their bodies, all the time. The truth is that the world is a war zone for women and girls—in their homes, their churches, the streets. Globally, acts of violence cause more death and disability for women of reproductive age than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents, and war combined. Some days I feel immune—lucky, even. If I accidentally show a bare ankle, I don’t have to fear being stoned. I can go out dancing without being beaten by my father or brother, and there’s lighting on the sidewalk outside my home. If I go to the police, I am reasonably confident that I won’t be raped. But then, in a crowd or a classroom, I realize that I am unconsciously holding my arms to my side, talking softly, or crossing my legs tightly. I’m trying not to take up too much space or draw too much attention to myself. When I walk at night, I’m on constant guard. In my city, there’s been an average of four domestic violence-related murders a month this year. In my country, the greatest risk factor for a woman being murdered is being pregnant.
I often think that one of the most radical societal shifts we could imagine would be a world where all women and girls feel free and powerful in their bodies, all the time. How would life be different if all of our bodies were free from assault? What if we transformed our communities from war zones to safety zones? What if modern-day underground-railroad networks carried trafficked girls to freedom? What if, as playwright and activist Eve Ensler points out, we channeled the energy we waste on hating our own bodies and used it to change society and be more present with our families and our communities? All over the world, women instinctually know the answer. They are building safe houses; lobbying to change laws; running girls’ soccer clubs in places like Saudi Arabia; launching savvy PR campaigns to challenge traditions; and creating curriculums to teach children alternatives to violence. These vanguards believe, as I do, that if half the population were released from constant physical and emotional trauma, public health would improve dramatically; economies would soar; families would begin to heal; and more women would have the confidence and stamina to assume leadership positions and reach their highest potential. Every woman and girl would be “in her zone,” moving more freely through the world. She could be focused on what matters to her, no longer having to protect and hide parts of herself. Standing tall; laughing boisterously; free to love; to dance; to sweat; to run for office; to start a business; to travel; to climb mountains. Completely in sync with herself and on top of her game.
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