International Women’s Day

March 8, 2010

International Women’s Day

Today is a very happy day for Because I Am a Woman readers- It’s International Women’s Day!!

IWD started in 1909 in America and is now celebrated every March 8th by hundreds of countries around the world.

“Activists of All India Women Cultural Organization take out a rally on the occasion of International Women’s Day, in New Delhi, India, 8 Mar 2010” –Associated Press

This year, the International Committee of the Red Cross is raising awareness for women displaced by armed conflict. They say,

“We want not only to draw attention to the plight of these women but also to acknowledge their tremendous courage and resilience in ensuring the survival of their families in hostile and unfamiliar circumstances.

I think it is equally important to raise awareness of the specific threats women face as a result of displacement. All too often, women and children are lumped together as the most vulnerable group. However, the two are very different groups, each with specific vulnerabilities and needs.

Women are not totally helpless. Our idea is to move away from assumptions and stereotypes and instead call attention to women’s specific needs, vulnerabilities in wartime, and indeed the remarkable strength they show in protecting and supporting their families and finding ingenuous ways of coping with their ordeal.”

Beyond this, International Women’s day is a day to celebrate the beauty and strength women have no matter what race, religion, nationality, orientation or age! It has been used as a political platform, but today I hope we can celebrate it with love, grace, beauty and power, towards each other and our accomplishments world wide.

To finish up, this video from NATO leaves us with a simple message, not against men, just against not allowing women equal rights.

Peace,

Gina Marie

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