International Women’s Day 2021

Living gratefully today, I appreciate our new patio furniture, that our son Sam assembled it, and that we have started enjoying it already. 

Today is International Women’s Day: 

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

#IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge

It is also Women's History Month in the United States. We probably hear less about IWD than some countries around the world, but it is more than worth a mention. It is worth some action. Yes, women's history should always be noted and celebrated, but we aren't yet on an even playing field with men in many areas. There is work to be done, and getting the word out is helpful. 

If you are looking for ideas, have conversations today, check out the website above, or enjoy watching spoken word poet Anisa Nandaula recite her poem "Choose to Challenge" in this brief video: 

For International Women's Day 2021 and beyond will you #ChooseToChallenge​?

She mentions that globally 132 million girls aren't in school. Think of the lost potential, the lack of empowerment that will impact so many. 

She also says: "Choose to create history, not be created by it." I reflect on these words over the course of my own life and the times when I have felt the burden and the hurt of gender stereotypes and judgment.  

Here's my #Choose to Challenge: (The purple didn't come out so well on our printer, but purple is the color for IWD.)

What will you choose to challenge?  What will you do today to further the cause of all of us as women of this world? And men, this is for you too. We are in this together in so many ways. Onward!