Lisa Ling: Well, there’s a lot of work to do, but I do think that people often feel empowered by many of the things they see on television and react. When women take control [chuckle], react to something, then things will get done.

SM: When we hone in on our natural qualities, per say [laughs]…

Lisa Ling: [laughs] It’s true though, women have this sort of power and drive and that’s one of the reasons why it is exciting to create and put together these shows about women and particularly about girls that are geared toward women.

SM: Some feel that taking action against certain cultural traditions is wrong because it’s imposing Western culture. How do you feel about that?

Lisa Ling: For most of the stories that I do, it’s local people who are spearheading the effort to combat whatever’s happening. It’s not like we drop in and say, "This is wrong. You need to stop doing this."

SM: How does it feel to be a woman in these foreign societies where women don’t have a voice?

Lisa Ling: For the most part, because I’m foreign, I’ve been treated pretty respectfully. [These societies] allow me to get away with a lot more than they probably would allow their own women. But, very often, in other parts of the world, men will not look at me. They will talk to the male members of our team when I’m the one orchestrating the whole process.

SM: How do you deal with that?

Lisa Ling: I raise my voice even more. Every little thing sends a message.

SM: And that manages to work?

Lisa Ling: Not always, but it makes me feel better [laughs].