InternationalWomen

~*~Women Hold Up Half The Sky~*~

is a saying as old as culture itself.
Some say it is African...some Japanese...some Chinese.
Whatever, the origin, Indeed, women have traditionally
been the world's farmers, child bearers and caretakers of
young and old - the backbone of families and societies.
If not for women, agriculture would not exist.

However, despite their contributions to humanity, women continue
to suffer from gender discrimination in much of the world. Being
born female in many places means a lifetime as a second-class
citizen, denied most of the opportunities available to males in the
areas of health, education, employment, and legal rights. This
second-class citizenship hurts the well-being of women
themselves and ultimately the whole of society.

International Women's Day has been celebrated for over 95 years and
is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world. This date
is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many
countries as a national holiday. When women on all continents, often
divided by national boundaries and by ethnic,linguistic, cultural,
economic and political differences, come together to celebrate
their Day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least
nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.

International Women's Day
is the story of ordinary women
as makers of history.

It is rooted in the centuries-old struggle
of women to participate in society
on an equal footing with men.

In ancient Greece, Lysistrata initiated a sexual
strike against men in order to end war.

During the French Revolution, Parisian women
calling for "liberty, equality, fraternity" marched on
Versailles to demand women's suffrage.

Susan B. Anthony was a suffragist
and women's right activist
who fought for women's rights,
especially the right to vote.

Rosa Parks fought for the right for a
dignified existence NOT based on race.

Gloria Steinman and Betty Friedan were pioneers
in the Women's Rights Movement of the 60's
and helped pave the way for

Women's Spirituality Trailblazers,
Merlin Stone, Starhawk, Z Budapest, Luisah Teish
and others, who helped create an
environment that allowed the resurgence of
the Womens' Spirituality movement in the US.

International Women's Month and,
more specifically,
International Women's Day,
celebrates the collective power of women
past, present and future,

On Thursday, March 8, 2008

Remember...

...all the women who have come before...
...all the women who have influenced you...
...all the women who inspire you...
...all the women who guide you...
...all the women who have
made it possible
for you to be
the woman
you are...

Then Remember...

...all the women who fight for a daily existence...
...who are denied basic human rights and even
tortured simply because of gender...
...who are sold into slavery as part of the sex trade...
...who are forced into arranged marriages as young as 8...
...who have NO voice...

Remember...
and
light a candle,
say a prayer...

For Your Sisters
Wherever They May Be

~*~Blessed Be~*~

For More Information

International Womens Day
Women Without Borders
United Nations Women