Eradicating Violence against Women in the Gaming Industry: Insights from the Dialogue “Violence is Not a Game” Eradicating Violence against Women in the Gaming Industry: Insights from the Dialogue “Violence is Not a Game”

Guest Post by

Fernanda Martínez

In an increasingly digitized world, video games have become an integral part of modern life, attracting millions of people of all ages and genders. However, this growing popularity has not been without issues, especially when it comes to violence and harassment targeting women in the gaming industry. To address this concerning topic, the “Violence is Not a Game” dialogue was held, organized by Movistar and L’Oréal Groupe. This event brought together experts, players, and advocates for women’s rights to reflect on how to eradicate gender-based violence in this virtual space.

Speakers at the event included prominent figures in the gaming and advocacy fields, such as Olimpia Coral, a Mexican activist; Mariana Baños, the Founder of Fundación Origen; Kalipso, a competitive gaming host and content creator in eSports; and Jennifer Romero, the Creative Director of Twitch and an ambassador for Women in Games.

With a global audience of 3.1 billion players, the gaming industry is a diverse landscape that mirrors the composition of today’s society. Surprisingly, 46% of players are women, underscoring the significant presence of women in this field. In the context of Mexico, a country with a vibrant gaming culture, 55.8 million individuals enjoy video games, with a 41% female participation rate. These statistics highlight the importance of addressing gender-related issues within the gamer community.

In digital environments, violence and harassment can take various forms, all of which are detrimental to the gaming experience and the wellbeing of women. Some of these manifestations include:

Insults and offensive language: Comments reflecting racism, sexism, homophobia, or other forms of discrimination.

Sexual harassment: Unwanted messages of a sexual nature, inappropriate propositions, or explicit images.

Discrimination and hatred: Treating female players negatively based on their gender, race, sexual orientation, or other personal traits.

Cyberbullying: Repeated and intentional harassment aimed at intimidating or defaming female players.

Griefing: Deliberately sabotaging the gaming experience of others.

Doxxing: Revealing personal information without consent.

Harassment: Directing abusive comments via voice chat or monitoring the activities of female players negatively.

Censorship: Limiting equal participation of female players on platforms.

The “Violence is Not a Game” dialogue emphasized the need for individuals to identify these behaviors and take measures to protect themselves and their community. Awareness and education are crucial to transforming digital spaces into safe and respectful environments for everyone.

It is essential for everyone to be aware of their rights as gamers to promote an inclusive and respectful environment in the gaming world. As this industry continues to captivate audiences of all ages, it becomes even more important to foster positive, conscious, and responsible digital experiences that benefit society. The creation of a safe, inclusive, and sustainable digital world is vital to ensure the wellbeing and mental health of all involved, contributing to a more empathetic and connected society.

The gaming world generates opportunities to connect people and bring them together in an environment that should be safe and guided by positive values. When diverse experiences and perspectives are brought to the table, everything becomes enriched. Dialogues like the one led by Movistar and L’Oréal Groupe, who are working on the issue through their initiatives #mynamemygame and #bravetogether respectively, are a clear example of how collaboration and the exchange of ideas can lead to the creation of a more inclusive, diverse, and respectful digital world.

Guest post by Sara Taggart, Global Grassroots

Dear Friends,

Over the years, and increasingly so, folks interested in Global Grassroots have asked, “How does your work connect to the issues of climate change?”

With Earth Day approaching, we have been thinking a lot about this question. While Global Grassroots did not start as an “environmental” organization, we certainly believed (and continue to see) that the root causes of so many issues faced by the grassroots women we ally with are intertwined with their ecological contexts.

This became increasingly clear as teams began to focus on sustainable access to clean water as a strategy for addressing multiple barriers to wellbeing, from health and hygiene to gender-based violence to childhood nutrition to economic and educational inequality.

At our recent Wisdom Lab presentation, Women, Water & Wisdom: Mapping the Ripple Effects of Conscious Social Change in Rural Rwanda, we shared different ways that women changemakers are creating sustainable solutions to the challenge of water scarcity in their villages.

As the chart below illustrates, when teams create a water source that is clean, close to home, safe to access, affordable and available in the dry season, the interdependent processes by which community members experience positive changes in health, nutrition, gender equality, education, family harmony, economic well-being, and even infrastructure development are profound.

Conscious Social Change in Action – Principle #4: Engage Mindfully

Last month we looked at the importance of ensuring balance within ourselves, so we can be more present in the moment and more effective in our interactions with others.

As we cultivate the capacities of mindfulness, we become adept at setting aside ego, assumptions, and bias to inquire and listen. We are less likely to think our way is the only viewpoint, less likely to create division and blame, and more likely to seek out understanding across difference so as to identify common ground.

Drawing from a broader set of perspectives and inviting greater participation across whole eco-systems gives us a more comprehensive understanding of an issue and stakeholder needs, ideas, and priorities, which we can use in collaboratively designing for change.

Mindfulness trains us to look at reality with greater curiosity.

Instead of seeing failure, mindfulness encourages us to examine circumstances with an eagerness to learn so that we evolve our solutions for greater efficacy. Rather than getting fixated on pushing forward our own narrow agenda or thinking it is all up to us to fix, mindfulness drives us to lead with more openness, question our thinking, seek out more diverse expertise, and be willing to compromise as a strategy towards progress.

This fuels innovation and drives sustainability, informed by all voices who are more likely to feel a level of ownership in a creative solution’s outcomes, rather than an unwilling subject of its implementation.

The goal of conscious social change should really be the sustainable wellbeing for all, including quality of life, economic, social, mental, spiritual, physical, and material wellbeing, as defined by the person themselves.

It is thus critical to ensure the poor, vulnerable, marginalized, and exploited should come first and lead the process of defining and achieving wellbeing for themselves. We ask what is helpful and determine our unique way to serve as an ally – not overly control, not abdicate control, but partner.

We use presence to stay attuned to the changing needs of those we aim to serve, so we do not stay stuck on our own agenda or abuse our power. This transformational paradigm is inner-driven with a focus on serving the highest common good. Finally, conscious social change invites us to examine our role in the systems that uphold the status quo too.

What we didn’t know for sure – or at least didn’t have the words to explain – was how Global Grassroots’ mindfulness-based model might be having an additional impact on the inner qualities of the women changemakers and their community members, particularly in nurturing the kinds of mindsets we may all need in order to navigate increasingly daunting climate crises, wherever we happen to be born or live.

Participants in our Ripple Effects Mapping inquiry pointed to powerful changes — such as an increased sense of agency, compassion, individual and community resilience, collaboration, solidarity and a sense of belonging — all of which seem to be contributing to the sustainability of their efforts and a recurring theme of optimism and hope for the future.

While we cannot yet prove that Global Grassroots’ Conscious Social Change model is causing these shifts, participants’ reflections on their lives over the past six years gives us real reason for HOPE as well!

Over the coming week on social media, leading up to Earth Day on April 22, we will share key insights, photos, and mindfulness practices to help illuminate the connections between the work of these amazing women and our collective global responsibility to secure a healthy, safe, vibrant and sustainable planet for ALL of our children’s children, and beyond.

Practices to Help Us Engage Mindfully

Deep Listening – One of the most powerful practices we can develop is learning how to listen, really listen, to others. This can be much harder than it sounds. It can require that we set aside the many possible distractions outside of ourselves (devices, noises, etc.). But the real work comes in setting aside the distractions within ourselves as we tune into what another is telling us. Try this during your next important conversation:

  • Take a deep breath in, and an even longer exhale
  • Relax the muscles of your face and jaw
  • Allow your breath to slow as you begin to absorb what someone is saying to you
  • As they speak, notice when your mind has wandered away. Are you thinking about what you will say next?
  • Without self-judgment, gently lead your mind back to the present moment (feel your feet on the ground, or press two fingers firmly together)
  • Recommit to deeply absorbing what is being said

When the other person has finished, perhaps say, “Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I want to take a moment to let it all sink in before I say anything more.” Then do this! Take your time before speaking or moving forward. See what happens.

Guest Post by Alejandra Garza

I had the privilege to represent The Wellbeing Project in the Latin American Impact Investment Forum (FLII) a few weeks ago (Feb 28th – March 2nd, 2023) in Mérida, Mexico and am still reminiscing over all the shared encounters, stories, people, music and color that I got to meet and experience during this inspiring event.

It is with deep admiration and gratitude that I remember each person I met, each story I heard, and each dream that was shared with me so kindly during this wonderful event. It was a short pause for all of us who care so deeply for our region, to meet, share and explore our possible collaborations and hopes towards creating positive change in Latin America today and in the future.

I am especially grateful for being invited to share about The Wellbeing Project’s work in the region in a shared discussion titled “Burnout in the era of Wellbeing.” I had the privilege to share this beautiful space and conversation with Juan Carlos de la Hoz from the Inter-American Development Bank, Nicolas Demeilliers, founder of &you, Anna Corona from ayam, and Daniela Peralvo from IMPAQTO. Through our engaging conversation and Daniela’s key questions, we shared about the importance of wellbeing for social changemakers in Latin America, and the key characteristics that make this region so special and unique.

It was particularly inspiring to hear a collective awe from the audience when sharing that at The Wellbeing Project we truly believe that Wellbeing Inspires Welldoing. I could feel that the phrase clicked with everyone present, and they too recognized the importance of inner wellbeing, as it relates to the success of their projects and work. The conversation ended with a shared mindfulness meditation imparted by Anna from ayam, and we all got 5 minutes to pause, give thanks and reset, amid this lively and exciting event. This helped all of us present to recognize that it is something we have in us and that we can do every day. No matter the situation, it just takes a minute to pause and connect with our breath in the present moment. We all have that superpower within us.

Thank you, New Ventures for organizing this amazing event, and for this opportunity. Thank you everyone in the audience for attending, for your passion, your commitment, and your willingness to be a part of this important conversation for our region. I am honored to have connected with each and every one of you, and I look forward to continuing this amazing journey of inner wellbeing together.

El Wellbeing Summit llega a Bilbao El Wellbeing Summit llega a Bilbao

Más de 50 artistas internacionales muestran en diez espacios expositivos por toda la ciudad, incluido el Museo Guggenheim, obras realizadas específicamente para este encuentro. El programa, abierto al público, incluye performance y artes escénicas

BILBAO-BIZKAIA, ESPAÑA (25 de mayo de 2022): ‘The Wellbeing Project’ celebra su I Cumbre de Bienestar para el Cambio Social del 1 al 3 de junio de 2022. Este evento internacional reunirá a líderes del tercer sector, agentes institucionales, artistas y empresarios y estará dedicado a subrayar el vínculo de su trabajo con el bienestar social e individual. A lo largo de tres días se celebrarán por toda la ciudad de Bilbao se abordarán las conexiones entre el bienestar individual, organizacional y social. BBVA apoya esta cumbre inaugural del bienestar para el cambio social en Bilbao-Bizkaia.

BBVA es uno de los principales patrocinadores y su apoyo ha permitido la presencia de destacados líderes en el campo de la innovación social y de artistas procedentes de más de 60 países y cinco continentes. Las actividades de la cumbre incluyen un amplio programa de exposiciones, obras de arte y vibrantes piezas escénicas realizadas ex profeso para este encuentro. Todas estas actividades son gratuitas y están abiertas al público. La lista completa de los más de 85 artistas que participan en el encuentro se puede consultar aquí.

Por su parte, BBVA presenta “Arte y Espiritualidad. Imaginando lo extraordinario”; una exposición comisariada por Alfonso de la Torre, que reúne un conjunto de obras del fondo histórico y contemporáneo de la Colección BBVA en España. La exposición muestra la riqueza y diversidad de la Colección BBVA con piezas en una variedad de soportes y técnicas: pintura, escultura, fotografía e instalación, así como vídeos de otras colecciones. El eje de la exhibición es la espiritualidad, entendida como fenómeno universal, y su impacto en la creación artística. Estará abierta al público del 31 de mayo al 5 de junio de 2022.

La exposición que se celebra en el Palacio de San Nicolás irá acompañada de una serie de actividades en torno al espectáculo en el Palacio de San Nicolás: un ecosistema musical único interpretado por el cuarteto de cuerda Brooklyn Rider; Birdheart, una pieza de cámara de teatro animado que habla de la relación del hombre con el mundo; un encuentro con Bach del violonchelista Maciej Kulakowski seguido de un laboratorio creativo de atención plena con Corinna da Fonseca; proyección de la performance de Mar Soli’s como visitas guiadas en inglés a la exposición “Arte y Espiritualidad. Imaginando lo extraordinario.

Además de su propia colección, el apoyo de BBVA permitirá que la comunidad de Bilbao célebre también a los artistas locales. Aclamada artista que vive y trabaja en Bilbao – Bizkaia,

June Crespo tendrá abierta al público su obra “CORE22” del 20 de mayo al 15 de junio de 2022 en el Museo de Bellas Artes. Crespo también producirá tres obras nuevas relacionadas para ser colocadas en un espacio público. Otra artista, Alicia Framis, originaria de Barcelona, ​​España, tendrá abierta al público su obra “Taking flight” en Bizkaia Aretoa – Axular del 31 de mayo al 3 de junio de 2022.

 “Estamos agradecidos de tener socios reflexivos como BBVA para ayudar a expandir la huella del bienestar durante nuestra cumbre”, dijeron Sandrine Woitrin y Aaron Pereira, codirectores del proyecto The Wellbeing Project. “Su exposición, junto con las docenas de otras piezas, permitirá a los participantes de la cumbre y residentes de Bilbao-Vizcaya experimentar el resultado de centrar el bienestar en todos los aspectos de la sociedad para obtener mejores resultados”.

“Para BBVA, impulsar la cultura y el arte en Bilbao forma parte de nuestro compromiso con esta ciudad. Ambos elementos son fundamentales para abordar los retos del futuro y situar a Bilbao como una capital de referencia”, ha subrayado Carlos Gorría, director de la Territorial Norte de BBVA en España.

La Cumbre del Bienestar eligió la ubicación de Bilbao, Vizcaya porque es un centro internacional para el arte y la cultura. Es un lugar en el proceso de profundizar su transformación al enfocarse en una Carta de Valores que se centra en mejorar el bienestar de sus ciudadanos y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. BBVA y los organizadores de la cumbre esperan brindar a los participantes y residentes de Bilbao la oportunidad de realizar un viaje interactivo para explorar cómo puede ser el cambio social cuando los líderes municipales se guían por principios de bienestar.

“Bilbao tiene el placer de acoger esta primera edición de la Cumbre del Bienestar para el Cambio Social que, estoy seguro, ayudará a marcar la hoja de ruta de esta nueva revolución en ciernes”, dijo Juan Mari Aburto, alcalde de Bilbao. “A lo largo de los años, Bilbao ha apostado por un modelo de desarrollo urbano y humano que garantice la posibilidad de realizar proyectos de vida plena y digna para todas las personas que viven y trabajan en esta ciudad. Nuestro compromiso con el bienestar humano se ha convertido en un modelo internacional que nos ayudará a generar esperanza para el futuro”.

Los participantes de este evento asistirán en gran parte por invitación para asegurar una comunidad de asistentes diversa, representativa y pluralista. Esta será la primera de dos cumbres globales que The Wellbeing Project convocará y la segunda se anunciará para 2024.

 En paralelo con la  cumbre en persona, habrá elementos virtuales disponibles para el público organizados por Parker J. Palmer, autor, educador, activista y fundador y socio emérito del Center for Courage and Renewal (EE. UU.) y Sharon Salzberg, autora superventas del NY Times y profesora de meditación (EE. UU.).

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The Wellbeing Project

The Wellbeing Project tiene como objetivo crear e impulsar un movimiento de cambio en la cultura del sector de la innovación social hacia una cultura con mayor bienestar para los actores que la componen. Trabaja en “co-creación” con más de 20 organizaciones como Ashoka, Skoll Foundation, Porticus, Impact Hub, the World Economic Forum, Georgetown University, Stanford University, the Greater Good Sciences Center de Berkley… También tiene una red de más de 200 organizaciones globales, regionales y locales como Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, Danone, Aspen Institute, Mondragon Team Academy, Tech Monterrey … que apoyan activamente y son actores de este movimiento de cambio. 

Los emprendedores sociales son la base de las soluciones innovadoras a nuestros grandes retos sociales. Nuestra investigación de los últimos años demuestra como su capacidad de innovar y colaborar se potencia con mayor bienestar interior. wellbeing-project.org.

Los socios incluyen: BBVA; Bizkaia – Government of Biscay; BMW; City of Bilbao; Latham & Watkins; Azkuna Zentroa; Canadian Embassy of Madrid; Community Arts Network; Draiflessen Collection; Fundación Universidad-Empresa; Greater Good Science Center; Guggenheim Bilbao; India Development Review; JCDecaux; MIT Media Labs; Museo De Bellas Artes de Bilbao; Panta Rhea Foundation; Reino de los Países Bajos; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Schoepflin Foundation; Science Gallery; Steelcase; Stanford Social Innovation Review; Thyssen Bornemisza Art Contemporary; The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global; The Rubin Museum of Art; Science Gallery; and Ursula Hauser Collection. 

Los oradores incluyen: Rajni Bakshi, Briggs Bomba, Mbarka Bouaida, Kate Byrne, Laura Calderon de la Barca, Aneel Chima, Chantharavady Choulamany, Gary Cohen, Andrea Coleman, Dr. Richard J. Davidson, Suparna Diwakar, Peggy Dulany, Mallika Dutt, Gabriela Gandel, Russ Gaskin, Rosemary Gathara, David Germano, Sennay Ghebreab, PhD, Jay Coen Gilbert, Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Ramsés Gómez, Edgard Gouveia Jr, Vanessa Haigh, Zarlasht Halaimzai, Reggie Hubbard, Lorea Bilbao Ibarra, Luzette Jaimes, Shruti Jayaraman, John Kania, Nadine Kaslow, PhD, ABPP, Dr. Barry Kerzin, Dr. Julia Kim, Dr. Sará King, Satish Kumar, Edwin Macharia, Juan Mari Aburto, Aikatarini Makrogamuraki, Katherine Milligan, Wanja Muguongo, Rukudzo Mwamuka, Kumi Naidoo, Haifa Najjar, Dr. Deepa Narayan, Wellington Nogueira, Clara Oyuela, Cristiane Ferraz Prade, Father Timothy Radcliffe, Monira Rahman, Imam Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Rabbi David Rosen, Sharon Rosen, Zainab Salbi, Carolin Schmee, Jessamyn Shams-Lau, Laureline Simon, Vanee Surendranathan, Chris Underhill, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Justin Michael Williams, Louisa Zondo.

Artistas y proyectos artísticos incluyen: Grimanesa Amoros, Yazmany Arboleda, Loreto Aramendi, Miroslaw Balka, BBVA Art Collection, Birdheart, Dineo Seshee Bopape, Berlinde De Bruyckere, Kenyatta Emmanuel, Brooklyn Rider, Janet Cardiff, Nikhil Chopra, June Crespo, Alicia Framis, Carlos Garaicoa, Aaron Huey, Eva Lee, Madalitso Band, Hope Masike, Emeline Michel, Mohau Modisakeng, Aakash Odedra, David Strathairn, Maciej Kulakowsk, Daan Roosegaarde, The Rubin Museum – Mandala Lab, Sonja Schenkel, Falu Shah and Karyshma, Himali Singh Soin, Daniel Steegmann Mangrane, Science Gallery Bengaluru, Shirley Tse, Silkroad, Ursula Hauser Collection, Jazmine Williams, Gerald Wirth, Bishop Chantel Wright and Songs of Solomon, Vocalia Taldea, Thomas Cabaniss, Josu Elberdin, Zirkozaurre.

Contacto: 

Katie Gommel
SSM&L
wellbeingproject@sunshinesachs.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BILBAO-BISCAY WELCOMES FIRST WELLBEING SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL CHANGE WITH SPEAKERS, ARTISTS AND MAJOR COMMISSIONED PIECES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Co-creators Ashoka, Impact Hub, Porticus, Skoll Foundation, Synergos Institute, and Georgetown University will convene experts to discuss the intersection of wellbeing and intergenerational trauma; neuroscience; spirituality and rituals; diversity, equity and inclusion; economics; and technology

BILBAO – BISCAY, SPAIN (April 4, 2022) – Today, The Wellbeing Project announced its first-ever Wellbeing Summit for Social Change, a global event bringing together social change, governmental, arts and business leaders working at the intersection of individual and collective wellbeing, in Bilbao-Biscay, Spain from June 1-3, 2022. The summit represents a critical moment in driving systemic cultural change for the improved mental health and wellbeing of all changemakers. 

The three-day summit will consist of ground-breaking talks, conversations and panel discussions highlighting the connections between individual, organizational and societal wellbeing. Speakers will delve into how a deeply embedded culture of wellbeing can alter and inform our approach to driving positive systemic change.

The arts play an integral role in the development of a new language for inner wellbeing and social change and can provide a greater understanding and expression of the human experience. The summit will bring exhibits, newly commissioned works of art and a vibrant performing arts program to Bilbao. Involving more than 85 artists at 10 venues, the event offers participants and the residents of Bilbao to take an emotional and interactive journey exploring wellbeing. 

Inspiring and creative immersion labs will pair artists and speakers for deep-dives into topics that include neuroscience and wellbeing; intergenerational trauma; spirituality and rituals; diversity, equity and inclusion; business and organizational wellbeing, economics and wellbeing; and technology and wellbeing. 

“The Wellbeing Project is on a mission to initiate and bring to life a culture of inner wellbeing and Bilbao-Biscay is the perfect place to unite a global audience of changemakers, artists and activists,” said Aaron Pereira, Project Co-Lead for The Wellbeing Project. “We aim to create a profound experience and understanding of wellbeing in the context of social change leading to a personal and collective call to action.”

“This summit will represent the work of extraordinary people and institutions from over 60 countries and five continents,” added Sandrine Woitrin, Project Co-Lead of The Wellbeing Project. “Attendees and the community at large will experience innovative mechanisms to express and explore their inner selves through art and innovative thinking.”

The Wellbeing Summit chose the location in Bilbao, in the region of Biscay, because it is an international hub for art and culture. It is an example of a place in the process of deepening its transformation by focusing on a Charter of Values that centers on improving the wellbeing of its citizens and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Bilbao is pleased to host this first edition of the Wellbeing Summit for Social Change, which, I am sure, will help to set the road map for this new revolution in the making,” said Juan Mari Aburto, Mayor of Bilbao. “Over the years, Bilbao has been committed to a model of urban and human development that guarantees the possibility of realizing full and dignified life projects for all the people who live and work in this city. Our commitment to human wellbeing has become an international model that will help us to build hope for the future.”

SPEAKERS INCLUDE: SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

    • Ana Claudia Quintana Arantes – Medical Doctor and Author; Geriatric/Palliative Care MD; Founder of Associação Casa do Cuidar (Brazil)
    • Rajni Bakshi – Author and a Gandhi Peace Fellow; Freelance Journalist, Author and Peace Advocate (India)
    • Briggs Bomba – Programs Director for TrustAfrica(Senegal)
    • Kate Byrne – CEO of Katapult X (USA)
    • Laura Calderon de la Barca – Collective and Intergenerational Trauma Therapist, Facilitator, Trainer and Researcher at Terapia para Mexico (Mexico)
    • Aneel Chima – Director of the Division of Health and Human Performance and of the Stanford Flourishing Project at Stanford University (USA)
    • Gary Cohen – Co-founder and President of Health Care Without Harm (USA)
    • Dr. Richard J. Davidson – Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds at University of Wisconsin-Madison; Founder and Chief Visionary, Healthy Minds Innovations (USA)
    • Suparna Diwakar – Director of the Centre for Regenerative Development at Rashtram School of Public Leadership (India)
    • Peggy Dulany – Philanthropist; Chair and Founder of The Synergos Institute (USA)
    • Mallika Dutt – Activist; Social Change Leader; and Strategic Innovator (India/USA)
    • David Germano – Executive Director of the Contemplative Sciences Center of the University of Virginia (USA)
    • Sennay Ghebreab, PhD – Associate Professor of Socially-Intelligent AI, Program Director of Master Information Studies and Scientific Director of Civic-AI Lab at the University of Amsterdam (Ethiopia/Netherlands)
    • Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr. – James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and Chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University (USA)
    • Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela – Research Chair in Studies in Historical Trauma and Transformation at Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
    • Ramsés Gómez – Director of Academia B at Sistema B International (Mexico)
    • Edgard Gouveia Jr – Architect, Ashoka Fellow; and Founder of Instituto Elos, Play the Call and LiveLab (Brazil)
    • Zarlasht Halaimzai – Writer; Director; and Co-founder at Refugee Trauma Initiative (United Kingdom)
    • Reggie Hubbard – Human Rights Activist; Yoga Teacher to US Members of Congress and Congressional Staff (USA)
    • Nadine Kaslow, PhD, ABPP – Clinical Psychologist; Professor of Psychology; and Psychologist of the Atlanta Ballet (USA)
    • Dr. Barry Kerzin – American Physician and Buddhist Monk (USA)
    • Dr. Julia Kim – Senior Advisor at the Gross National Happiness Center in Bhutan (Bhutan/Canada)
    • Dr. Sará King – Founder of MindHeart Consulting; Neuroscientist; Advocate; Philosopher; and Social Entrepreneur (USA)
    • Satish Kumar – Peace-pilgrim; Life-long Activist; and Former Monk, Founder of the Schumacher College (United Kingdom)
    • Rhonda Magee – Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco (USA)
    • Juan Mari Aburto – Mayor of Bilbao (Spain)
    • Katherine Milligan – Director, Collective Change Lab (Swizerland)
    • Wanja Muguongo – Founder and Executive Director of UHAI East African Sexual Health and Rights Initiative (Kenya)
    • Deepa Narayan – Social Scientist and Author (India/USA)
    • Wellington Nogueira – Founder of Doutores da Alegria (Brazil)
    • Cristiane Ferraz Prade – Psychologist; Music Therapist; and Co-founder of Casa do Cuidar (Brazil/United Kingdom)
    • Aaron Pereira – Project Co-Lead for The Wellbeing Project; Ashoka Fellow; and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (India/France)
    • Father Timothy Radcliffe – Priest; Author; and Honorary Oxford University Fellow (United Kingdom)
    • Imam Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi – Director-General and Chief Imam of Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (Great Britain)
    • Rabbi David Rosen – International Director of Interreligious Affairs of AJC, the American Jewish Committee and Director of its Heilbrunn Institute for International Interreligious Understanding (Israel)
    • Sharon Rosen – Search for Common Ground’s Global Director of Religious Engagement; Spiritual Coach; and Mentor (Israel, USA)
    • Zainab Salbi – Founder of Women for Women International; Women’s Rights Activist; and Writer (USA)
    • Jessamyn Shams-Lau – Senior Advisor of Capital Collaborative; Advocate for redistribution of power in philanthropy, nonprofit workforce wellbeing, and feminine leadership (Denmark)
    • Laureline Simon – Founder and Director at One Resilient Earth (Germany)
    • Shelly Tygielski – Mindfulness Teacher; Community Organizer; Philanthropist; Author; and Self-Care Activist (USA)
    • Najat Vallaud-Belkacem – France Director of The ONE Campaign; Former Minister for Women’s Rights and Government Spokesperson (France)
    • Justin Michael Williams – Author; Speaker; and Performing Artist, working at the intersection of music, meditation and equality (USA)
    • Sandrine Woitrin – Project Co-Lead of The Wellbeing Project (Belgium/Spain)

ARTISTS PARTICIPATING INCLUDE: ARTISTS PARTICIPATING INCLUDE:

    • Grimanesa Amoros – SCIENTIA, a light sculpture encouraging moments of self-reflection and personal realization (Peru)
    • Yazmany Arboleda – Hospital Pal Alma, an outdoor installation imagining a contemplative place of healing for the soul (Colombia)
    • Miroslaw Balka – NowHereWe, an installation of bells from multiple cultures on railings in the main summit venue (Poland)
    • BBVA – Art and Spirituality: Imagining the Extraordinary, an exhibition of works from the historical and contemporary holdings in the BBVA Collection
    • Birdheart – a contemplative puppet theatre piece devised, directed and designed by Julian Crouch and Saskia Lane
    • Dineo Seshee Bopape – I Re-Member Mama, a billboard installation featuring a slice of earth (South Africa)
    • Brooklyn Rider – the highly acclaimed string quartet
    • Janet Cardiff – A Toning Installation, exploring the ability of sound to transport participants to alternate realities (Canada)
    • Nikhil Chopra – Life Is More Important Than Art, a durational solo performance and installation (India)
    • June Crespo – CORE22, a commissioned film and public installation (Spain)
    • Alicia Framis – Taking Flight, a paragliding costume and apparatus; a commissioned film and public exhibition of the garment (Spain)
    • Carlos Garaicoa – Proyecto Bilbao, an installation about the nature of the image, its fragmentation and perpetuity in contemporary culture (Cuba)
    • Aaron Huey – Global Open Call, an exhibition of banners from the artist’s Artist’s Amplifier campaign (USA)
    • Eva Lee – experimental filmmaker
    • Madalitso Band – street music duo from Malawi
    • Hope Masike – Zimbabwean singer and mbira player
    • Emeline Michel – Haitian music star who will perform with her band
    • Mohau Modisakeng – The Water Drummer, a performance installation consisting of sounds of water interspersed with moments of stillness and silence (South Africa)
    • Aakash Odedra – contemporary dance artist with roots in classical Indian dance
    • Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski, presented in partnership with Georgetown University, a theatre performance featuring Academy Award nominee David Strathairn
    • Daan Roosegaarde – Spark Bilbao, an outdoor happening that illuminates the city with a sustainable celebration that encourages residents and visitors to wonder and reflect (Holland)
    • The Rubin Museum – Mandala Lab, an interactive space for social, emotional, and ethical learning
    • Sonja Schenkel – Chrysalis, an immersive art installation that invites people into a sensory experience exploring transformation through touch, images and sound (Switzerland)
    • Falu Shah – Grammy nominated classical Indian singer with her band
    • Himali Singh Soin – Ancestors of the Blue Moon, a current residency/project to create a prayerbook and installation of deities (New Delhi/United Kingdom)
    • Science Gallery Bengaluru – Psyche, an exhibition of works by young people from around the world that explores the mind and the complexities of thinking and feeling
    • Shirley Tse – Meditating is Porting to a Blissful Version of Ourselves, a sculpture featuring light and wood inspired by the artist’s ongoing series “Quantum Shirley” (Hong Kong)
    • Silkroad – the acclaimed global music ensemble sparks cultural collaboration and passion driven learning
    • Ursula Hauser Collection – an exhibition of 2 major works by Berlinde De Bruyckere
    • Gerald Wirth – President and Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys Choir who will lead communal singing exercises
    • Bishop Chantel Wright and Songs of Solomon – a collaborative, inspirational gospel choir
    • Vocalia Taldea – an all-female choir based in Bilbao will perform newly commissioned songs by composers Thomas Cabaniss and Josu Elberdin

The participants of this event will attend largely by invitation to ensure a diverse, representative and pluralistic community of attendees. This will be the first of two global summits The Wellbeing Project will convene with the second to be announced for 2024. To learn more and apply to attend, please visit here.

Following the in-person summit, there will be virtual elements available to the public hosted by Parker J. Palmer, Author, Educator and Activist; Founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage and Renewal (USA) and Sharon Salzberg, NY Times Bestselling Author and Meditation Teacher (USA).

Partners include BBVA; Bizkaia – Government of Biscay; City of Bilbao; Latham & Watkins; Azkuna Zentroa; Canadian Embassy of Madrid; Community Arts Network; Draiflessen Collection; Guggenheim Bilbao; MIT Media Labs; Museo De Bellas Artes de Bilbao; Thyssen Bornemisza Art Contemporary; The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global; The Rubin Museum of Art; Science Gallery; and Ursula Hauser.

About The Wellbeing Project
The Wellbeing Project is a global initiative focused on catalyzing a culture of inner wellbeing for all changemakers and structured in four pillars – model programs; research and evaluation; learning, convening and enabling; and storytelling and connecting. The organization is inspired by love, care and compassion for all the people who work to build a better world, as well as to support the many causes and movements for which we all work. The Wellbeing Project is co-created with Ashoka, Impact Hub, Porticus, the Skoll Foundation, the Synergos Institute, and Georgetown University.