If in the first instance it was urgent to express what we do not like in societies which are dominated by male values, by now the challenge has evolved. The moment seems to have come that we are asked : yes right, it is time we try to find a balance between Yin and Yang approaches. But apart from the justified defense of women's rights, what do you propose to make our societies function differently, in a more Yin way ? What exactly constitutes the feminine art of doing things ? How do you conceive of power differently ? What is the relationship of women to time, to money, to the resolution of conflicts, to management ?

With a view to taking up this challenge, wishing to be able to say : " yes ! women do have ideas for making real changes ! And here they are ! ", we have examined a large number of theoretical works, articles, testimonies and accounts of experience. What we found was on the one hand a plethora of critical analysis and many concrete proposals for improving women's position in society. On the other hand, rare were the propositions explaining what women's ways of handling things differently exactly consist of and how these could contribute to transforming for the better the functioning of our societies.

A major emphasis seems to be put on a special sensitivity and a more personal approach to the outside world. In politics, for instance, a woman is more likely to express her own personal opinion rather than that of her party. Women politicians say they like to exercise power in a more participatory way. Women advocate the importance of relationships, of part-time work, of a less fragmented and more holistic attitude towards science, of more respect for nature.
But have not indigenous peoples practised such values for thousands of years ?

Is the real issue perhaps a difference between a culture of control and a culture of compassion, between a culture based on 'divide and rule' and a relational culture, rather than a difference between a masculine and a feminine culture ?

Is this the question to be looked into ? We are calling all those women who feel like participating in this search. We are seeking witness accounts of " women's ways of doing things " : mothers and homemakers who manage their households, company executives, directors of NGOs, all kinds of professionals, advisors or consultants.
Who are these women ? How do they practice the feminine art of managing things ? How do they change the world at their level ?

We invite you to speak about yourself or about other women. And we will of course ensure that a summary of the messages we receive are communicated to all who reply. Together we will be able to describe with more clarity what we believe to be the changes that women feel are essential and desirable.

Looking forward to reading your answers or speaking with you.

Edith Sizoo and Nadia Kosta