There are certain things about life here on earth that are sometimes just too awful, too gut-wrenching, too unbearably sad for me to even think about. Too many of these things have to do with women. And although it's hard for me to think about all the suffering that is happening, right now, at this very moment as you are reading this, I want to do something.
I couldn't help but cry when I watched this video.
Watch Women Are Not the Problem, They Are the Solution on PBS. See more from Independent Lens.
You know how people say "every little bit counts?" Or there's that story about the guy throwing starfish back into the ocean and someone says, "there are so many; you're not even making a difference." And the person says, "Made a difference to that one!" This is one of those issues where every tiny bit helps, every effort makes a difference somewhere, to someone. Because these issues are not just issues, they are about individuals. We're talking about people, about women and girls. And we're talking about maternal mortality rates, lack of education, forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and sex trafficking. These are real. But they don't have to be.
Half the Sky is a powerhouse organization that is attacking these issues from every angle. It's amazing! And exciting. Often I feel hopeless and so sad, thinking about all the suffering that's happening. But knowing that people are fighting for them, fighting for change, makes me feel so hopeful!
Here are some ways that we can be involved, ways that we can make one small action, that will make a difference for one person. And that is huge!
- Gather a bunch of friends together and watch the movie, discuss, get inspired to do something!
- Spread the word; email your friends, like Half the Sky on facebook, bring it up at dinner.
- Raise some funds, like this 14 year old, or this after school group.
- Read the book, share it with friends, talk about it, then do something!
- Donate!
- Teach your children. These are sensitive issues, and the details are not necessarily appropriate for all ages, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be discussed at all. We can't make changes if we aren't talking about what's happening, what's wrong. Give your children the opportunity to exercise empathy, to be a part of that change. They might surprise you by just how motivated they are to help.
I'm so moved by this program, by the compassion, the empowerment, by the voices both large and small, by the love, by the CHANGE that is happening right now! Let's be a part of it!
This post (+my sharing on social media) was inspired by my particpation in a compensation program initiated by Women Online/The Mission List to raise awareness about Half the Sky. All commentary and opinions are, of course, my own.
