ABSTRACT
Despite the sweep of developments across a century or more, including the advance of feminist ideals and improvements in equality in relation to a range of social, economic, political and legal indicators, women in the world continue to face barriers – deprivation not merely of rights but also of dignity, challenges not only to their spheres of influence but also to the valuing of their contribution to the creation of more peaceful and prosperous societies. It seems that the paradigm within which the world has been operating is not up to the task, that fundamental assumptions need to be challenged and a new framework developed. This chapter reviews a sample of research findings and analysis across multiple disciplines in order to identify some of the assumptions that underlie the current paradigm and limit progress, and addresses the implications for alternative approaches. Building on these observations, it begins to outline a new paradigm based on spiritual values and collective concern for the well-being of humanity. Finally, it considers some of the elements needed to prompt a conceptual and practical shift to a framework defined by shared identity and common purpose.
