Yes it’s true that in their lifetime up to 76% of women will experience violence and that my friends is a huge percentage. When I first heard that number, I thought no way, but as I began to reflect on my own life and the lives of many women I know, I realized that number by not be too far off base.Women’s Rights has been a hot topic for the past few weeks, culminating in President Obama signing the Violence Against Women Act earlier this week. Today dawns another celebration for women, for more than 100 years International Women’s Day has been celebrated around the world.
1Today is about women everywhere, as we celebrate International Women’s Day today, here are 5 Ways you can Give Back, Celebrate and Support Women’s Rights!
SUPPORT CARE!
CARE has made women and girls the focus of their initiatives, dawned from the fact that when women are empowered they empower their families and generations to come. The organization has several campaigns for women and girls including: ‘Help Her Live’ offering maternal health work. Maternal mortality is nothing short of an epidemic. Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of women die from complications during pregnancy or childbirth each year – that’s one woman dying nearly every minute of every day – and millions more are left with life-altering disabilities. The Help Her Learn initiative offers the promise of education for women and girls and “Help Her Earn” CARE’S Microfinance work. In 2011, CARE worked to help more than 7 million people improve their household income through increased access to financial and non-financial services, participation in village savings and loan associations, market linkages and diversified livelihoods. The organization has also partnered with 10X10 Girl Rising which aims to build a global movement promoting girl’s education. The film spotlights the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change a girl – and the world. Many millions of girls face barriers to education that boys do not. We can help break those barriers by bringing global attention to the enormous benefits of educating girls. Your community is a great place to start. Check out CARE today and for as little as $1 a day you can impact change across the world.
SUPPORT A WOMEN’S DAY EVENT
Check out the official International Women’s Day website to read up on the 102-year history of the holiday and find an event in your community. You can also add your event to the website to share what you’ve planned to honor women and highlight gender inequalities.
SAY NO! Join the cause and Say No to Violence Against Women. Say NO- UNiTE to End Violence against Women is a social mobilization platform on ending violence against women and girls, contributing towards UN Secretary General’s system -wide campaign, UNiTE to End Violence against Women. Launched in November 2009 by UN Women, Say NO – UNiTE showcases advocacy efforts and engages people from all walks of life, online and on the ground. Based on country data available, between 15 to 76 per cent of women experience physical or sexual violence from men in their lifetime. The organization envisions a future that is free from violence against women and girls. You can join in and take the pledge here now.
SEND A GIRL TO SCHOOL FOR $70!
For about 20 cents per day, a girl can receive books, learning materials and school access needed to learn and thrive. The results according to Save the Children are life changing; educated girls are proven to delay premature marriage and childbirth and provide better nutrition and education for their families later in life. Not a bad investment.
SUPPORT A LOCAL GIRLS OR WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION!
Donate to an organization that supports women and girls. There is no shortage of programs probably in your city or a city near you that supports girls and women. Volunteer or make a donation today to further their efforts. Check out the BCG Charity Spotlight Section now and find an organization you love. And remember it’s often the neighborhood nonprofit, the grassroots movements happening all across the country that will make the most impact on the lives of our women and girls. No amount is ever too small and if you can’t donate with money, remember you can always lend your time and voice to support the cause.
Living in the US sometimes we can forget that women across the world do not have the same liberties we often take for granted. Even the right to refuse a marriage proposal, which in some countries is a death sentence. In life it should never be just about us, we should continually strive to give back and help others, for it is in service to others that we are truly rewarded. Join this movement today on Twitter, the official hashtag is #WomensDay! Make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.
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