Saturday, March 08, 2008

International Womens Day

Today is International Womens Day, and I want to take this moment to recognize this very important day for women worldwide, a day which saw its genesis in the Socialist movement of the early 20th century. The website of the World Health Organization points out that this year's theme is "investing in women and girls". Investment can mean many things to many people. In my view, we could best invest in women's health, girl's education, violence eradication, an end to war, and socioeconomic justice for women, to name a few places to begin.

As the son of a woman, the husband of a woman, the uncle of several women, the brother of a woman, and the brother-in-law and son-in-law of several women, I feel that I have many significant and powerful women in my family and in my life, and I am grateful for them, as I am for all of the women who touch my life, both personally and professionally.

Having always considered myself a feminist, and working in a profession which is 95% women, I am sensitive to the plight of women and aware of the struggle for power and recognition which women have waged for hundreds of years. Today, in many countries worldwide, women still fight against the threats of rape and violence, not to mention the constancy of war. With rape being used as a tool of war, and human trafficking---mostly of girls---still widely prevalent, girls around the world are still at a great disadvantage.

International Womens Day is but one day when the world's attention is drawn towards the struggles of women for justice and parity in a world which has yet to fully offer either unequivocally. I urge you, dear Reader, to pause and consider how you might contribute---financially or otherwise---to the advancement of women's causes today and beyond, and then perhaps make a plan to follow through. Whether it be a contribution of time to a single young girl, or a check to a women's organization of your choice, consider how you can invest one small piece of yourself in the struggle, and honor yourself for being a part of the solution.

Happy International Womens Day.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hii..Keith..

First of all hatss-off for you being in a profession that is 95% feminine.

I must say it is a very thoughtful and respectful post and apt to be published on this eve' of Women's day..!!

What else is your routine like..???

Keith "Nurse Keith" Carlson, RN, BSN, NC-BC said...

Thanks, Ayesha. It was my pleasure and honor to post that.

I'm not sure what you mean by my routine, other than to say that my life is anything but routine these days!