International Women's Day

Today, March 8th, is International Women's Day. This is the 100th year the world has celebrated International Women's Day. It has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. There are thousands of events scheduled around the world, some big and some small including everything from photos to petitions.

One of the events that caught my eye will be held in England during the Women of the World Festival. It is a series of photographs from around the world highlighting women with the theme Dreams for My Daughter. This theme was chosen after Hadhya Yahya Mohamed Al‐Zawm from Yemen said the following at an event highlighting the issue of early marriage... 

“Every mother in the world dreams that her daughter will have a better life than she has. My mother was married at age 9 and had her first child at age 13. She wants more for me”

This video includes many of the photographs that will be displayed as well as quotes from mothers around the world about the dreams they have for their daughters. 

Maybe it is because I am one of four girls, but it made me start to think about how moms have so many dreams for their daughters... dreams for a better life, an easier life, more than what she had. This is especially true in the developing world where so often girls face a life with little education, early marriage and a higher risk of maternal mortality. There are things we can do to change this though. Simple things like helping girls stay in school, getting them good health care, and helping them support themselves. Each small change effects the next generation, with each generation building on the progress of the previous generation. Check out this video about "The Girl Effect" for more information. 

 

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