Aside from many events taking place all over the United States, it's now an official holiday in 48 countries worldwide-including countries throughout the Middle East and Asia, and even 6 countries in Africa. And of those 6, I'm proud to say Uganda is one of them. To be honest, I found it a little hard to believe at first, with many of the bizarre things women experience here tugging at my mind, but it's very encouraging to me that this day is celebrated in my current home away from home. In our classes and at the Youth Center this week, we've even planned a whole series of discussions on African women who've struggled to overcome insurmountable odds and have achieved their dreams (on the subject of equality, we did discuss African men last week!).
Since it began, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition. Year after year, it sees more and more countries join for the cause. New activities and traditions spring up all over the world each year; anything from political rallies and conferences to local women's craft markets, theatric performances and fashion parades. Girls and women are honored and celebrated with small gifts and flowers in some countries, whereas in others it tends to feel more like Mothers Day with more elaborate celebrations.
In recent years the day has made a shift from a somewhat boisterous tone of how much progress can still be made in this arena, to how much positive progress has been made, no doubt worthy of celebration. Though, even if it's easier to see the day as a celebration of women's rights at present, I hope tomorrow can also serve as a continued reminder of our sisters in developing countries where everyday is a struggle for them, just because they are a woman, especially young girls. Young girls in particular, the hope for the current generation, are at risk of falling into the same pattern of the women before them; a cycle which includes child-bearing, cooking and cleaning, and at least in parts of Africa, seems to begin shortly after the girl finishes the equivalent of 8th grade. Granted, more international attention these days is paid to what happens to girls, but what about what we can do to stop that from happening? The Girl Effect has some awesome information on what life is like for young girls in developing countries, especially in poverty stricken areas. It's a great organization and can be a great tool if you want to get involved or even just learn more. Women for Women International is also a great website for learning about women survivors of war and the fight for women's rights worldwide, but the website also lists many events taking place tomorrow. For those of you in NYC, if you can head to the BK Bridge to show your support for women worldwide! If you can't, the US Government has deemed March "Women's History Month".
One of our friends made a comment yesterday (a joke?) that he heard someone say "women only get ONE day a year..." with the underlying subtext that you-know-whos get every other day. Be that as it may, as a woman, I feel inspired by tomorrow's events and the hope they bring; but also in working with young girls, I see the need for even just ONE day. And you know me well enough to know that next I'll be working toward figuring out how to incorporate the other 364 days into this party...
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