International Women's Day 8 March 2011

Remembering a small but meaningful moment in History...

The International Women's Day was established in 1910 during the World Conference on Women held in Denmark and recognized by the United Nations in 1975.

On the 8th of March 1857 United States textile workers went on strike , occupying the factory and requesting changes including a 10 hours day instead of the usual 16 hours.

These workers, all women, received less than one third of men wages. Closed in the factory, they started a fire resulting in 130 of them burned alive.

The Women's Trade Union League was created in 1903, an association with the objective of helping all workers to demand better working conditions. Only five years later, over 14 thousand women marched in the streets protesting for the very same reason the workers did in 1857 and claimed the right to vote.

Their slogan became bread and roses to symbolize the stability of the economy and the roses, a better quality of life for all!

On the 8th of March let's remember these courageous ladies whilst not forgetting the many women around the world who are still asking for bread and roses!

Together Women around the World can make a difference! Let not one go hungry in spirit as well as in body!

The Great Depression was a very hard time for everyone but for women especially!

Today if you are a woman, I believe the world can be yours...if you are bold enough to take it of course! Women all over the world tirelessly juggle multiple jobs everyday to serve many constituencies such as family, employees, clients, community and all with as much energy, love and grace anyone can muster.

The French author Simone de Beauvoir wrote: "One is not born a woman, one becomes a woman." I would not call myself a feminist but I agree with her statement.

I also believe we each have to balance choice with obligation. Not an easy task!

In reflection I remember wishing many times to have the opportunity, the courage and the stamina to be a better woman. Then again, perhaps it is in someone else hands and it remains for me to remember everyday how blessed I am.

Proverbs 31 - The Portrait of a Godly Woman is still my choice!

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value."

"She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands."

“She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar."

"She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls."

"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard."

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."

"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."

"In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers."

"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."

"When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet."

"She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple."

"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land."

"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes."

"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come"

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

"Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Let's stand and TOGETHER make this a better world for all!

Reflections on just being Me, a Woman!