Blog for International Women’s Day 2011!

International Women’s Day [IWD] is on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. As set by the United Nations, this year’s theme is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.” 



This year, they’re asking bloggers to think about any of the following questions in regards to the U.N.’s theme for IWD:


What does it mean to have equal access to education, training and science and technology for women, and how do we get there?

• Describe a particular organization or moment in history that helped to mobilize a meaningful change in equal access to education, training and science and technology for women.

But I am hopped up on allergies meds and didn't prepare ahead of time for this blog, so I am just going to post some videos (and a few links) about some wonderful organizations that help girls and women living in poverty grow up to be healthy, successful women in their communities. 

You can learn more about The Girl Effect here.


You can learn more about The International Princess Project (and get some adorable Punjammies) here.


You can learn more about Obstetrical Fistulas and The Worldwide Fistula Project here.

Blogging for International Women's Day 2010

What does "Equal Rights For All" mean to you?




It means that everyone has worth. That little girls are valued as much as little boys.  It means that everyone has the freedom to make choices for their own lives. The choice to marry who they want, or to not marry.  It means that each person has control of their own body, of their own lives.  It means equal pay for equal work. It means safe and accessible health care for all.  It means education for all. It means freedom from exploitation. 








It means an end to this: Little girls don't need to get divorces.

It means that pregnant women are not jailed for falling down stairs: Pregnant? Don't Fall Down The Stairs


It means no one should die because they are denied an abortion: Mother Denied Cancer Treatment Because of Abortion Ban


It means that a church would show outrage against a rapist, not the victim and those who tried to help her: Nine-Year-Old's Abortion Outrages Brazil's Catholic Church


It means more of this: Gay Couples Line Up For Licenses To Wed


And more of this: Saving the World's Women

And a lot more of this: Midwives in Afghanistan Try To Rebuild Women's Healthcare System


I'm realistic enough to know that bigotry, sexism and misogyny will always exist. But I hope that someday society will force people with those views into the minority and out of control. I hope that lawmakers and world leaders will fight for the rights of those who have no voice.  I have already read how access to health care, education and micro-loans have changed the lives of women in developing countries.  I know it is possible.