Today is International Women's Day.  I couldn't take off so I am wearing red in acknowledgement of the struggles of women all over the world every day.

To be fair, I cannot claim to have been hindered by being a woman.  When I was young, my father wouldn't buy me a basketball because "basketball is for boys".  My mother wouldn't allow me to play certain instruments in the school band "because they are not ladylike".  I ended up becoming a majorette.  A very girly thing.  Fortunately, I liked twirling a baton.....


In my lifetime, I have seen the word, "feminist" go from being something to be proud of to being a word that people are afraid of being associated with.  I remember being told that some jobs were "not for women". 


When my 3 girls were born, from the very start, I told them they could do anything.  Being a woman was a plus and they were lucky to be born women.  They believed me and I have three very strong, intelligent and articulate grown daughters who are proud of who they are.  And of whom I am so very proud.




Some key targets of the United Nations 2030 Agenda:

• By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes.
• By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education.
• End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
• Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

This is not only about women and girls but includes men and boys.  If we don't pay attention to little boys and give them the same opportunities but promote only girls, then we are as guilty as those who came before us.


I always believed that in my lifetime things would get better, and in some circumstances, I suppose they have.  But there is still so far to go.


So today we celebrate Women.  Women of all kinds and shapes and colors and abilities. 


Happy Women's Day