Spirited Women the world over celebrated International Women's Day on March 8th. Yet, what you may not realize is that many of the celebrations are still taking place all month long and if you are a true Spirited Woman you just may want to carry the celebrations on all year long.
International Women's Day celebrated its 100th anniversary this year! Is that not amazing? When you consider that countries as "modern" as Switzerland did not even give women the right to vote until just 1971 (hard to believe, isn't it?), it is truly inspiring that this very worthy day has marked its centennial birthday.
The Official International Women's Day site has a plethora of information on events happening around the world and offers a fascinating read on the history of International Women's Day (with facts such as "over one million women and men attended the first International Women's Day rallies in 1911"). It was more than a little difficult to choose which event to share with you, but here are a few facts, figures and bits of info that I think you will find inspiring, unique and motivating.
On a solidarity note - The International Rescue Committee. This worthy organization is sending out a wake-up call to get the US government to continue their threatened financial support. The committee's founding members believe that "when given a chance, women and girls can build a better world." The Rescue Committee is asking US citizens to take the simple action of telling your Members of Congress that international programs are critical to protect and empower women and girls around the world. They have made it very easy to get your voice heard by creating an e-mail system that allows you to get in touch directly with a US Senator or House Representative.
On a stylish note - The Red Pump Project. The 2nd annual Rock the Red fashion show is coming to Chicago on March 24th. The show organizers, The Red Pump Project, raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Founded in March, 2009 by Luvvie Ajayi and Karyn Watkins, Red Pump believes that if HIV affects one, it affects us all. They use the red shoe as a symbol of empowerment to represent the strength and courage of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The incorporation of fashion into the message of HIV prevention is their contribution to show that Awareness is Always in Style!?
On an international note - International Women's Day the Russian Way - When recently speaking with a Russian friend of mine I was very surprised to learn that International Women's Day is a public holiday in her country. Every 8th of March, the Russian people take the time to honor their fairer sex. It is traditional on this holiday to present women with gifts and flowers to express appreciation for their work, love and devotion. As Wikipedia states, "it can be regarded as the equivalent of Mother's Day combined with some aspects of Valentine's Day."
On an inspiring note - Women for Women international. WIWI was created with the goal of helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. Since its creation, Women for Women International has given hope to more than 299,000 women survivors of war and conflict and helped them move toward economic self-sufficiency with a year-long program of direct aid, rights education, job skills training, and small business development. Want to get involved? The site offers options to attend an event, organize an event, sign a petition or fund raise.
On a truly spirited note - The Spirited Woman.com. - Our fearless leader, Nancy Mills came up with a beautiful idea to celebrate International Women's Day all year long with the Spirited Woman Prayer Scarf. These colorful and elegant scarves not only allow you to add an uplifting touch to your wardrobe, they are a lovely reminder that you are also doing good. Nancy's dream is to establish a Spirited Woman Foundation to help heal women worldwide through empowerment. A percentage of the scarf sales will go towards making that dream a reality.
If you know of any International Women's Day events that will be continuing on throughout the month or into the year, please share it in a comment to this post.
To your Spirited Empowerment,
- Dawn Z Bournand www.fabulouslysuccessful.com
Click here to read more of Dawn's posts.
Oh la la, our American in Paris is back. A member of our original Spirited Woman Blogger Team, Dawn Z Bournand is passionate about empowering women worldwide to Live their Lives on Purpose. Founder and Director of Fabulously Successful she is an award-winning presenter, author and entrepreneur with a mission to help women live lives of inner and outer Fabulous Success. Dawn lives in the suburbs of Paris, France with her husband and three young boys (the lights of her life) and is currently creating a new group coaching program.
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