Definitions

To fully understand the issues Women Who Heal the World works on and the vision we work toward, please review these definitions. Unless otherwise indicated, these are direct quotes from cited sources.

Authoritarianism

A political system characterized by the rejection of political plurality, the use of strong central power to preserve the political status quo, and reductions in democracy, separation of powers, civil liberties, and the rule of law. (Wikipedia)

Capitalism

An economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and its use for the purpose of obtaining profit. This socioeconomic system . . . is defined by a number of constituent elements: private property, profit motive, capital accumulation, competitive markets, commodification, wage labor, and an emphasis on innovation and economic growth. (Wikipedia)

Climate Change

Periodic modification of Earth’s climate brought about as a result of changes in the atmosphere as well as interactions between the atmosphere and various other geologic, chemical, biological, and geographic factors within the Earth system. (Britannica)

Climate change includes changes in our weather, oceans, and ecosystems, such as:

Changing temperature and precipitation patterns
Increases in ocean temperatures, sea level, and acidity.
Melting of glaciers and sea ice.
Changes in the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events.
Shifts in ecosystem characteristics, like the length of the growing season, timing of flower blooms, and migration of birds.

These changes are due to a buildup of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and the warming of the planet due to the greenhouse effect. (US EPA)

Climate Chaos

The profound and often unpredictable alterations in weather patterns and climate systems that arise primarily due to human-induced global warming. This phenomenon manifests as extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and droughts, which become increasingly frequent and severe. While climate change encompasses a broader spectrum of gradual shifts in climate, climate chaos implies a level of instability and disorder that produces erratic and sometimes catastrophic outcomes. (MAWEB).

Facism

A far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology and movement . . . characterized by support for a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived interest of the nation or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. (Wikipedia)

Environmental Justice

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. (US EPA)

In combatting environmental injustices, we [must work] towards basic human rights and the safety and well-being of communities, as well as sustainable health equity. This work cannot be achieved without centering, uplifting and meaningfully engaging those who experience such injustices. (APHA)

Matriarchal Societies

Gender-egalitarian societies, and in many cases fully egalitarian societies. . . that are free of domination but are stabilized by certain guidelines and codes. . . The natural differences between the genders and the generations are respected and honored, but the differences don’t lead to hierarchies, as is common in patriarchy. The different genders and generations each have their own value and dignity, and through a system of complementary activities, they are dependent on each other. (Goettner-Abendroth, H., & SMITH, K. P. (2008). MATRIARCHIES AS SOCIETIES OF PEACE: Re-thinking Matriarchy. Off Our Backs, 38(1), 49–52. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20838925).

Patriarchy

A society or institution organized according to the principles or practices of patriarchy (control by men of a disproportionately large share of power. (Merriam-Webster)

Patriarchal Capitalism

The interactive relationship of capitalism and patriarchy in producing and reproducing the oppression of women (Wikipedia (citing Tong, Rosemarie; Botts, Tina Fernandes (2017). Feminist Thought: A More Comprehensive Introduction (Fifth ed.). New York. ISBN 978-0-8133-5070-7. OCLC 979993556)).

Racial Equity and Racial Justice

Racial Justice is a vision and transformation of society to eliminate racial hierarchies and advance collective liberation, where Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, in particular, have the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to fully thrive.

Racial Equity is a process of eliminating racial disparities and improving outcomes for everyone. It is the intentional and continual practice of changing policies, practices, systems, and structures by prioritizing measurable change in the lives of people of color.

Distinction between Racial Equity and Racial Justice: Racial equity is the process for moving towards the vision of racial justice. Racial equity seeks measurable milestones and outcomes that can be achieved on the road to racial justice. Racial equity is necessary, but not sufficient, for racial justice. (Race Forward)

Systemic Racism

A combination of systems, institutions and factors that advantage white people and for people of color, cause widespread harm and disadvantages in access and opportunity. One person or even one group of people did not create systemic racism, rather it:

(1) is grounded in the history of our laws and institutions which were created on a foundation of white supremacy;

(2) exists in the institutions and policies that advantage white people and disadvantage people of color; and

(3) takes places in interpersonal communication and behavior (e.g., slurs, bullying, offensive language) that maintains and supports systemic inequities and systemic racism. (Anti-Defamation League)

Restorative Justice

“A form of criminal justice that emphasizes reparation to the victim or the affected members of the community by the offender, as by cash payment or by community service.
Any of several forms of justice that attempts to repair the harm done to the victim, sometimes by making the offender make restitution” (restorative justice - definition and meaning)

Ecology

The study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. Some of the most pressing problems in human affairs—expanding populations, food scarcities, environmental pollution including global warming, extinctions of plant and animal species, and all the attendant sociological and political problems—are to a great degree ecological. (Britannica)

Environmental Degradation

The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as quality of air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems; habitat destruction; the extinction of wildlife; and pollution. It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable. . . The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction defines environmental degradation as "the reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological objectives, and needs". (Wikipedia)

Radical Love

Radical Love is a multifaceted force. One that emphasizes unconditional acceptance, deep compassion, and a commitment to fostering connection beyond social, cultural, and even emotional boundaries. It’s often described as transformative. A love that challenges us to go beyond tolerance … beyond acceptance … into a space of genuine care and soul-rooted empathy.

It’s rooted in our shared humanity, in compassion, and in the quiet yearning for a meaningful life of presence, gratitude, and grace.

In Personal Relationships, Radical Love invites us into deep listening. Into self-growth, mutual vulnerability, and real forgiveness. It’s a love that creates a space where both people can evolve — emotionally, spiritually, and soulfully.

In Parenting and Teaching, Radical Love means showing up again and again with consistency, presence, and care. Not to punish or fix — but to understand. To teach through empathy. To honor the person beyond the behavior.

In Communities, Radical Love becomes a way of living — a devotion to the well-being of the whole, not just the parts.

In Leadership, Radical Love asks us to stay human. To be in right relationship with power. To lead without losing our tenderness. To build without closing off. It’s not a tactic. It’s not a posture. It’s a way of being.

. . .

In Dialogue, Radical Love is the silent field that holds us. Where meaning can arise — not from dominance — but from mutual devotion to what’s real and possible. Dialogue then becomes not a technique, but a sacred space: A space where love listens. Where souls reveal. Where something new can be born.

In Source-Inspired Leadership, Radical Love is the capacity to be still … To sense what is moving beneath the surface … To co-create from what wants to emerge — not from force, but from alignment. (Susan Taylor)

Government Accountability

The obligation of public officials and institutions to explain their decisions, justify the use of public resources, and face consequences when things go wrong. It isn’t just about punishment after the fact; it is about creating a continuous pressure that shapes how governments behave in the first place. (PubAdmin.Institute)

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