The panel discussion “Women Climate Warriors: Healing Mother Earth” during the Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Mother’s Day Summit will focus on what we can do to address climate change and protect the planet we all share. Leading the discussion will be leading voices at the intersection of feminism and the environment-including Lumbie Mlambo; the president and CEO of JB Dondolo, Inc., named for her father, which helps underserved and impoverished communities who struggle with the lack of clean water. Mlambo is also a Global Goodwill Ambassador, UN Global Leader, UNA Women Member, and a leading voice in other women’s and global activist groups.
Here, Mlambo discusses her passions and hopes for the next generation, women’s potential to impact the economy and our world’s most pressing issues, how barriers of access to clean water exacerbate gender inequality, and the role we all play in the global economy.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day? What do you hope to share with the world?
I was inspired to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day because I want to uplift women. Together our voices are stronger and far-reaching. Women are the most disadvantaged people, yet we play a pivotal role in the global economy—we just need to be given that equal space to play. I’m honored to come together with other women on a global platform to help solve the gender equality issue.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
The people whose voices we have not heard, the people who struggle with lack of basic necessities such as safe drinking water. Unfortunately, it’s mostly women and girls who have to suffer. If they can’t be seen or speak, then I am their voice. I want the best for them.
Who is your role model, and why?
My parents, JB Dondolo and Lydia Senda. They were good parents who gave me a good foundation from early on—good values and acceptance of people of all races and different cultures, to name a few. Had it not been for them, I don’t think I would be where I am today.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
I’m the founder of JB Dondolo, Inc., a nonprofit whose mission is to remove barriers of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in underserved and impoverished communities to reduce poverty and promote gender equity. We see a world where clean water is not an obstacle to pursuing a better and more equitable life. We are proud supporters of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
Lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene due to gender equality issues. Women are responsible for collecting water and they walk miles a day to fetch water that is most often unclean. That leaves women with no time to themselves, no time to learn new skills or become entrepreneurs. Girls skip school when facilities have no water to care for themselves during menstruation periods, therefore, girls are left behind. We want to see more girls go to school and more women become entrepreneurs with the availability of clean water.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
Absolutely! How can a woman living in poverty with no basic necessities have a healthy life and a healthy baby? There is high infant mortality when a woman has no proper nutrition or maternal care during pregnancy. Also, women are hardly exposed to programs that advance their lives to become entrepreneurs. It’s not that they are not smart or talented; they are simply forgotten and left out of the system from which they could. It’s really women who are mostly impacted. A woman would sacrifice a lot to stay home and be with her family so she can raise her children.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
It’s different being a mother now because with advances in technology, new jobs have been created. And women qualify for these jobs just like men. Women are just as equally likely to create and design anything that could shape the world for a better future. However, the gender equality gap continues to widen. We continue to see lack of women in higher positions. We continue to see unequal pay for comparable work. So, unless we address the issues that women face today, women will continue to be left behind.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
All people are created equal. We come from different places with different cultures but we all breathe the same air. We all seek to be treated fairly and equal.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
I would like to see the next generation think big and think out of the box, that is, become incredibly creative and innovative and come up with fresh ideas.
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
My parents were my inspiration. Growing up I always admired them and wish to be like them when I grew up. Now that I’m grown up and become a philanthropist, I want to inspire the youth to have a voice and be empowered so they can solve the biggest problems the world faces.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
We are very smart and talented individuals. We play a very important role in the global economy. Let’s uplift one another and make gender equality our agenda. Let us use our influences and platforms to make our voices heard. Let us work together collectively to solve this problem while we move up the ladder. We can do this together!
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We’re inspired by the work and advocacy of Lumbie Mlambo, all the women in the “Women Climate Warriors” panel and speaking during all our panels May 11-13, and countless other fiercely dedicated women around the world. Register now to learn how we can all make a difference.
