If you want to change the world, change yourself first

"You must be the change you want to see in the world." ~Gandhi

We all dream of the world being a better place. We dream of it being a kinder, more compassionate world, where everyone is considerate, helpful, courteous. But how do we get there? Sitting on the couch, dreaming all day of a better world, debating about the vices in our society, definitely will not evoke change. But it can start with you. Think about it. If you start being considerate to strangers, courteous to your peers, helpful to others, without expecting anything in return, you can start a snowball effect. People will be touched by your kindness, and pay it forward. Granted, not everyone will appreciate your goodwill, some might even deride your 'simple-mindedness', but who said anything about affecting 100% of the people you meet? As long as you make a difference in one person's life, brightening up their day, that person will eventually make a difference to another's life. And to another, and another, and so forth.

If you want the workplace to be more conducive to open discussions, or make it more women-friendly (where women are not suppressed/ignored in the hierarchy and decision-making process), reflect upon your own behavior first, and make the first change. Counter your own prejudices, let your desire for change drive you. Be willing to share your ideas, without an agenda of expecting reciprocation. Start promoting your female colleagues, (for women) learn to speak up. 
Stand up for your beliefs, and others will start to follow.

There are 7 billion people in the world, and if individuals can start to make minuscule effort upon themselves, can you imagine the collective change we can make? What a thought!

Just sharing a song to motivate you, by Michael Jackson, "Man in the Mirror". =)

p.s. There is another version of this same song that I really like, from the movie Joyful Noise. The link is here.