Has reading this book given you new insights on how to improve your own and others' self-image, and the culture around you? Which seems more difficult to achieve in your opinion?

"A low self-image and oppressive social customs are inner and outer versions of the same force," writes Melinda, as a way to illustrate why personal and cultural change are equally important in fighting inequality. Has reading this book given you new insights on how to improve your own and others' self-image, and the culture around you? Which seems more difficult to achieve in your opinion?

Melinda Gates asks: " How do we use our lives to build up our larger human family?" This is my quest now as I look towards retirement in the not too distant future. How can I be useful and relevant in a way that will lift.

A shift in culture seems to be the last step, after self-image changes, and thus the hardest. There were many examples in the book which started with one woman standing up for herself, then support of others, and eventually resulting in a cultural/community change.

I appreciated how Melinda described how she was able to become "herself" at work, and not get lost into the culture of yelling. I feel more empowered to find and use my own voice in my life and career, and confident that it can have at least a small ripple effect.

I believe the culture has to change. I believe it slowly is, at least here. As an example, my Mother taught me I was to take care of my husband, so I did. When my daughter got older she would ask. why doesn't Dad help around house. Why do you wait on him all the time? I raised my children differently and my daughter-in-laws thank me. There is still a long way to go, especially in many other countries, but first the culture must change