Women & The World
Women & The World
Angele Bučyte, (PhD), has been working at the European Commission and European Parliament, she is the reserve civil servant of EU institutions and Country chair Ecocivilisation Lithuania.
Recently, she works with her own consultancy European Technology Policy, preparing the Horizon Europe project proposal for EU Green Deal, and in consulting the Lithuanian Government on the green transition.
Angele is the pro-bono Pro-Rector of the Brussels Academy of Justice, working for bringing the Western democracies to the countries of the Eastern Partnership, in particular to South Caucasus.
Prof. Angele Bucytec
Rajni Vohra : What is the current major issue that remains unaddressed and can have a massive turnaround in the World if addressed?
Angele Bucytec :The major current issue relates to the core of the recent economic system, to the so-called neoliberal approach to economics, providing for a profit-first versus people-first approach, leading to unjustified asymmetries in wealth, the connection of business with politics, social and economic injustice, other asymmetries, including women rights and true equality between men and women, over-exploitation of nature and the climate change. The neoliberal approach to economics, established by the so-called Washington consensus of 1970, also led to the erosion of human-to-human connection, while putting stress on self-interest and individuality, and the erosion of empathy, and kindness, which are very core of every human being. The erosion of the human dimension has been called one of the major major global risks by many international organizations, e.g., the World Economic Forum, and the World Bank. We blame the recent economic system for the climate crisis. Several thinkers agree that without changing the fundamentals of recent capitalism, we will not be able to become carbon neutral, because the profit and lobby are stronger the nature. Without changing the economic system, we will not be able to become fully peaceful, to ensure the true cooperation of differences, e.g. of different economic and political systems. It will be a never-ending battle for influence and for profit, leading us to see others as the competitors-enemies. The need for change has been well understood after the 2008-2009 crisis, with the Wall Street movements, and with the rise of other grass-root initiatives. Pope Francis has also called for a change in its encyclics Laudato Si and All Brothers. The need is here, as shown also by the survey related to Laudato Si encyclical, I did for my research, showing that more than 80 percent of the world’s population would welcome the Capitalism 2 model of the economy, with nature, social justice, people-first approach, basic income and development needs to be at the core of it. Another research, I did, for Europa 2020 strategy, has demonstrated that the reduction of poverty is one of the most powerful sources of economic growth, equal to innovations. It should be a major economic event, like the post-war Bretton Woods conference, which would define the parameters of the new economic system, be it Capitalisms or other, which is applicable for the realities of 21st-century societies to prosper and to progress. Many economic notions and paradigms shall be reconsidered, including drivers of economic growth, human development indicators, and others.
Rajni Vohra : In your experience, what is the best way to empower women in developing nations?
Angele Bucytec : The best way to empower women in the developing world is education -education for all, for women and for men; and the provision of means of empowerment., e.g. employment, capital, support, and mentoring. Each human being aspires for the realization of their potential, women, as they are more sensitive and feel deeper. The Government and the umbrella policy support are important, nothing will change without this. The publicity is important, as the more we speak, the more it happens. However, along with this, the realization on the ground makes all the difference, and this is the most difficult part to do, as we must go down of the stage, of tribunes, of speeches and oats, and do the work with very concrete examples, with women, who maybe have few resources, feel yet abused and scared, traumatized, not that joyful, but who need to be smartly guided and mentored. The Big Brother/Big Sister approach works here.
Rajni Vohra : Where do you see your current role in helping society?
Angele Bucytec : In my spare time, I do a lot of volunteering. Recently, I do help Ugandan NGO Teyapi4Peace to decrease the poverty, especially of women, in Easter Uganda, to collect funds for girls’ education at schools, training them in advanced farming, etc. I also volunteer as the country chair for Ecocivilisation movement of G100 Chair Violeta Bulc. Being a certified Laudato Si animator, I do another affordable helping, as people come along. Apart from this, I work for a Lithuanian environmental agency to make societies CO2 emissions-free, and run Transatlantic Club Climate Alfa, aiming at advanced climate analytics, where we generously welcome women from the developing world to be part of our Club.
Rajni Vohra : What impact do you envisage and aim for through your work?
Angele Bucytec : I would envisage that my impact is for societies to be more justful and peaceful in all respects, more respectful and involving, braver and speaking up. Because, one person can do a lot, due to a good example, the role model spreads along while leaving a legacy and memories for generations. I have read that one peaceful thought can peacefully impact 100+ people around. Thus, I would encourage other single fighters, not to be shy, but go and change the world for the better.
Rajni Vohra : Thank you for talking to us.