International Women’s Day is tomorrow. This year, I am celebrating from Chile, which I think is appropriate because I have always been an admirer of Michele Bachelet. In fact, I had the pleasure of being in Santiago on the day she was sworn in as president (and will be in Chile on her last day in office, as her term ends in just a few days).
Bachelet represents a host of women who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for continued political success. Along with Angela Merkel, Benazir Bhutto, Mary Robinson, Laura Chinchilla Miranda, and more, women are achieving success that many didn’t believe was possible.
From the women who are working hard to feed their families, to the women that are striving to grow their small businesses, to the women who have made millions and broken economic barriers, to the women who have proved that political participation is possible, women worldwide deserve to be celebrated. Whether you choose to commemorate this day by thanking your mother for her brave example, or funding a loan for a woman entrepreneur, or thinking about amazing women with political savy, or reading about a woman you don’t know yet, this year’s International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate.
Thanks for joining with me on this special day!
When Shaun White clinched the gold in his halfpipe run, both the US and the global snowboarding world celebrated. When Lindsey Vonn broke down in tears after her medal-winning run, many of us (me included, I admit) joined her with our own shows of emotion. Naperville’s own Lysacek surprised us by beating out Plushenko and Chicago cheered, stunned.
Only 1/3 of Americans have one. Much of the world wants one. My passport is my most prized possession.
I watched “Meet the Press” this morning, and saw Bill and Melinda Gates discussing their foundation’s philanthropic investments that advance research on HIV/AIDS and promote ARVs (antiretroviral drugs) in Africa. I wish we could all be Bill and Melinda Gates. But I was convicted this morning as I watched the interview and concurently read in the newspaper that Tuesday marks the 21st “World AIDS Day.” I am doing very little to address HIV/AIDS.
As I shift my thoughts toward turkey and stuffing and gravy and green beans and pumpkin pie and cranberries and abundance, I cannot help but think of those that have none. The almost three billion people who live on less than $2 per day have a difficult time getting enough food.
Ahmadinejad spoke the above words on Tuesday night, seeking to pressure Obama into choosing between the two countries. In the same press conference, he declared that capitalist exceses had caused the globaleconomic crisis, as interest paid on investments are considered usury by most muslim sects. Ahmadinejad did not mention his own, perhaps independently struggling economy, nor did he discuss nuclear issues.
Angelina and Brad. Madonna. Matt Damon. Even Paris Hilton has jumped on board. Philanthropy has become increasingly attractive. Not trying to be cynical here, but I am pretty sure that helping the poor is the new black. In an era of corporate social responsibility (which has remained despite financial downturn), of celebrities adopting babies from impoverished countries, and even of local coffee shops promoting “fairly traded” coffee, helping the poor has blossomed into a cultural imperative.