Happy International Women’s Day – a wonderful time to celebrate all the women of the world!
It’s a good time to recognize and acknowledge accomplishments, and celebrate the gains women have made in the workforce and in our communities. It’s also a good time to take stock and evaluate where we really are, and re-dedicate ourselves to issues that need addressing.
Some facts worth considering:
-
Out of a billion people globally who are unable to read and write, two- thirds of them are women.
-
Women own roughly 1 per cent of the land in the world. They produce between 80-95 % of the food in the poorest areas of the globe.
- 80% of the 27 million refugees on the planet are women.
- Only one-third of the work done by women across the globe is remunerated.
- UNICEF estimates that one in ten women in the world will be a victim of rape at least once in her lifetime.
- The United Nations is marking this year with a focus on “women and men united to end violence against women and girls.”
Certainly lots to think about, and plenty of work to be done!
But even so, I think it’s important to remember all the women in our lives and celebrate. I always buy myself flowers on International Women’s Day, because, well frankly, I deserve it. You do too.
Who will you be celebrating, and what actions are you inspired to take?