“Realize that when you do not contribute to achieving gender equality, you are limiting the world from reaching its full potential.”
-Aditya Chaudhuri
Age: 25
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Currently Residing In: Calgary, Alberta
Affiliations: Engineers Without Borders Canada (ACGC Member)
Tell us about yourself!
I’m a musician, an engineer (in training), an absolute animal lover, but most importantly, a global citizen who is passionate about contributing towards a sustainable tomorrow. I used to think the world was only a beautiful place, but as I grew up, I realized that all this beauty was accompanied by a lot of problems. To address these problems, I joined Engineers Without Borders (EWB), which helped me realize the power I hold to make change in the world. What inspires me most is seeing young people galvanized in creating a better tomorrow. It gives me hope about the future and the motivation to do my bit.
How does your work promote gender equality in Canada and around the world?
My work promoting gender equality is fueled by the understanding that women make up roughly 50% of the world’s population, so gender inequality means that same percentage of world’s potential is held back. Some of my highlights with EWB have been working with Mining Shared Value to persuade the global mining industry to increase local procurement on projects, ensuring women are valued for their skills and abilities and offered equal opportunities; meeting with MPs to encourage foreign investments in women-owned and led companies in developing countries; and, helping plan the 2017 Kumvana Gala that brought together local organizations and leaders to celebrate and empower women in Calgary and around the world. Having a focus on SDG 5: Gender Equality in all my work is important because it helps connect the advancement of all other SDGs. I consider it like stepping into a two-player game with only one player unlocked—you just won’t win the game.
What change would you like to see in the world by 2030?
I’d like to see a lot changed by 2030, including the achievement of all the SDGs. Many of the solutions are connected to each other, just like the problems they stem from. Seeing young people concerned and passionate about changing the world gives me hope that we stand a chance. By 2030, I would like to see all leaders in power be free of corruption and lead with citizens’ best interests in mind. It might sound cheesy, but I want the world to become a utopia.
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