International Womens Day

Today's post written my our dear friend Connie. One of the most amazing women we know!

Today is a special day for women –women all around the globe!  It is an annual celebration to celebrate and honor their economic, political and social achievements.  That means you!  It’s an opportunity to celebrate who women are, how far we have come and all our accomplishments, both large and small.  

As quoted from the United Nations, 'It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women's rights.  It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women’. 

International Women’s Day was birthed through labor movements at the turn of the 20^th Century in North America and Europe.  The first National Women’s Day was observed in the US on February 28, 1909.  Shortly after, an international meeting in Copenhagen in 1910, an international Women’s Day was established to honor the movement for women’s rights and to build support for achieving “universal suffrage for women”. 

Women bring a unique perspective to life circumstances and are able to collaborate well for social change. They are often the primary caretakers of children and responsible for fostering future generations.  As often quoted in the world of International and Humanitarian Development professionals, “Teach a girl, change the world”.

Now every year, on March 8, International Women’s Day is a day specifically set aside around the world to celebrate women.  That means you and all the wonderful women you know!  On this special day, let them know how great they are and call, email, or text and send them a special message wishing them a happy International Women’s Day and how much you appreciate them.  To all the little girls in your life, encourage them, let them know how special they are to you, and tell them how much you love them.

For more information on International Women’s Day and events and celebrations around the world, go to: International Women's Day.com.   To be inspired by brave women and girls who have overcome shocking poverty and abuse, I recommend the non-fiction book, Half the Sky by New York Times columnist and author Nicholas Kristof and his wife and co-author Sheryl Wudunn.  Go to The half sky movement.com for more information.

Love to the moon and back,

Connie