"If we hold back women, we hold back society"

To mark International Women’s Day, Elders Desmond Tutu and Graça Machel took to Twitter for a live Q&A. This is a summary of how the event unfolded.

Graça Machel and Desmond Tutu answered questions on how to catalyse women's rights from a range of civil society, including entrepreneurs, activists, NGOs and youth groups.

Desmond Tutu @TutuLegacy preparing to answer #IWD questions. Ask him your gender equality question with #askElders pic.twitter.com/4oaDHEf2LJ

— The Elders (@TheElders) March 6, 2015

Many of the questions focussed on society's relationship with and treatment of women, from institutions like the media to boys and men.

Is women's empowerment a myth when media glorifies violence against women? @TheElders #IWD2015 #askElders

— Misean Cara (@miseancara) March 6, 2015

Graça Machel lamented the media's portrayal of women as "simply victims," emphasising their roles as thinkers, entrepreneurs and leaders.

"We need to educate not only women to protect themselves but also how men regard women," she urged.

.@AfriDevInfo The most insecure boys and men tend to want to keep #women and girls in their place - Desmond Tutu @TutuLegacy #askElders #IWD

— The Elders (@TheElders) March 6, 2015

Another key theme discussed in the Q&A was the responsibility of leaders to support gender equality and women's rights.

How can we encourage our religious leaders to talk more about sex, condoms and contraception? #askElders @sgcathedral @NetworkAthena

— Georgina Y Caswell (@gycaswell) March 6, 2015

Graça Machel urged religious leaders to accept that "sexuality is part of human life," while Desmond Tutu replied that they have an opportunity to make their communities more open.

 Answering a question on changing the gender narrative, Desmond Tutu highlighted the influence of leaders on the rest of society:

.@NaadiyaMoosajee When those who are role models treat women as equals, then the narrative changes - Desmond Tutu #askElders @TutuLegacy

— The Elders (@TheElders) March 6, 2015

 Graça Machel emphasised that leaders can play a role in support of equality by speaking out against injustice towards women and girls, adding:

.@YZP "Being a leader means you are infused with responsibility for driving what is right to do and how to do it" -GM #AskElders #IWD2015

— The Elders (@TheElders) March 6, 2015

A key piece of information many of the Q&A participants were looking for was what civil society and individuals can do to empower women.

What role do you think civil society has to play in addressing challenges faced by women & girls? #askElders #IWD2015

— Girls Not Brides (@GirlsNotBrides) March 6, 2015

Graça Machel stressed how civil society can "change mindsets" and bring attention to norms that are harmful to individuals and communities.

.@PetriderPaul We need to raise awareness to parents & community leaders to develop a sense of valuing every child - GM #AskElders #IWD2015

— The Elders (@TheElders) March 6, 2015

She and Desmond Tutu highlighted the importance of several factors for empowering girls in particular: giving girls access to information and knowledge through technology; ensuring girls are able to stay in school; mentoring and establishing support networks.

Desmond Tutu delivered the overarching message of the Q&A:

.@dsw_worldwide If we hold back women, we hold back societies. Allow women to use gift God has given them, communities thrive -DT #askElders

— The Elders (@TheElders) March 6, 2015

Read the full transcript of the Twitter Q&A.