Human of the issue Jojo Veit

Meet Johanna Veit, but feel free to call her Jojo. She grew up in Munich, and moved to Copenhagen in August 2022 to study at CBS. At the age of 6, she joined her local Guide and Scout group, which has enabled her to pursue her passion of the great outdoors, helping others and leading while forming lifelong friendships. Through this passion, she was recently selected by the German Guides and Scouts to represent their NGO as a delegate at the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which is why she has been selected as this edition’s Human of the Issue. Jojo has been so kind to elaborate on this experience and as well as what the foreseeable future within gender equality advocacy might bring.

What is the World Association of Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and why did you join the organization?

WAGGGS is a global voluntary organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women in the world. You all have probably heard of Guides or Scouts before in your life. Maybe you have even been one in your early ages. Every day I meet peers that have been engaged in the movement as a child. Well, I did too, and I never stopped.

What inspired you to become a gender advocate for WAGGGS?

As a member of the Guiding and Scouting community, I have seen how inspiration can transform individuals regardless of gender. WAGGGS is a beacon of hope in a world where gender inequality persists, providing a space for individuals to build a more just and equitable world for everyone. Witnessing the empowerment that comes from being in a room with confident women has inspired me to continue fighting for gender equality. Whether through Guiding and Scouting, activism, or treating others with respect, we can all make a difference and create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

How did you get the opportunity to attend the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, and what was your experience like?

Being endorsed by the German Guides and Scouts and getting chosen to represent our NGO at CSW in New York was a transformative experience for me. The opportunity to advocate for women's rights at such a global platform was both intimidating and exhilarating. It was intimidating because of the sheer size of the event with thousands of people, and the constant need to network and put oneself out there to engage with politicians and stakeholders. But it was also exhilarating because it was a unique opportunity for personal growth and development, where I had to step out of my comfort zone and be brave in advocating for gender equality.

In your opinion, what are some of the most pressing issues facing girls and young women today, and how can organizations like WAGGGS help address them?

Gender equality is integral to sustainable development, linking to all SDGs. E.g., SDG 4, “Quality Education,” and SDG 8, “Decent Work and Economic Growth,” are adversely affected by gender inequality. As students in a business school, we play a significant role in promoting gender equality. Gender inequality limits access to education, particularly for girls. Promoting gender equality can guarantee equal access to quality education for all children. Gender inequality also limits women's access to decent work and economic opportunities. By promoting gender equality, women can enjoy equal access to decent work and fully participate in the economy. Ultimately, promoting gender equality is critical in establishing a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

How has your experience with WAGGGS impacted your personal and professional goals for the future?

Advocating for gender equality not only helps me to work towards creating a better world, but it also provides me with valuable skills and qualities that I use in my everyday life. Through Guiding and Scouting, I have learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and self-reflection.

These qualities have helped me become a better version of myself and have allowed me to contribute more effectively towards creating positive change in the world. By constantly seeking feedback and reflecting on my actions, I can continue to improve and strive towards my goals.

How do you balance your advocacy work with your studies and other responsibilities?

Maintaining a balance between my advocacy work and studies requires a lot of organization and discipline. I rely heavily on to-do lists to keep track of my tasks and prioritize my responsibilities. While there are days when it feels overwhelming, I find that setting daily goals and objectives helps me stay focused and motivated. It's also important for me to surround myself with positive and supportive people who lift my spirits and energize me. Ultimately, finding a balance between advocacy and studies is an ongoing process that requires commitment and adaptability.

What are some of the challenges you have faced as a gender advocate, and how have you overcome them?

In the opening session of CSW, UN general secretary Antonia Guterres said, “Together let us push back on the push backs on women’s rights!”. We must persevere in advocating for gender equality and women's rights, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. Though it takes a lot of energy to push back against discrimination, every small achievement counts and must be celebrated. Advocacy work is a journey and setbacks are inevitable, but we must continue to move forward and empower each other to create a more just and equitable world. We all have the power to advocate for positive change, and it is up to us to use it.

What advice do you have for other students who are interested in becoming advocates for gender equality and women's empowerment? Just do it! As simple as it sounds. A cando spirit is the spirit that gets us where we want to be. Gender equality is my passion. Guiding and Scouting is my way of living. And my studies allow me to learn how to apply my interests in the world. That’s also one of the reasons why I chose to study IBP – for its interdisciplinary nature, combining economics and politics. With handson experience in the tax industry and a keen interest in politics, IBP is an ideal fit for me. All those factors combined and alongside many other young and inspiring people, especially women, we empower each other every day to achieve our goals and do what we love.

The editors of the IBP Magazine are thankful to Jojo for her contributions and honest answers.