International Women’s Day 2015 #MakeItHappen

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“Whatever the conditions of people’s lives, wherever they live, however they live, they share the same hopes, the same dreams, as you and I”. -Melinda Gates

Today, March 8th is one of my favorite day’s of the year because it is a day that honors women around the world. It is International Women’s Day.

I think of all the progress we’ve made over the last few decades yet remember all of the challenges that remain ahead. Too many woman still die during childbirth. Too many women are victims of sexual violence and exploitation. Too many women do not have the opportunity to live up to their potential due to lack of education, status and rights. It is such a pity given that there is so much potential to make the world a better place for all if we just include women and girls.

Rather than dwell on the sometimes numbing statistics, I’d rather share some of my favorite photographs I’ve taken over the years honoring women around the world. Real women who are powerful, resilient and inspiring in their own right.

I hope that the world my daughter and grand children live in is a better place with more equality and opportunity for women and girls worldwide. This year’s theme is “Make it Happen”. Only together as a community, we can.

Aymara Women La Paz Bolivia

Fasika holding her fourth child, nine-day old baby boy.

Selling Coconuts in Honduras

Proud Grandma, Ethiopia.

Woman begging outside the church walls in Guatemala.

Old Cuban Friends

This post is a tribute to all the amazing, strong women around the world who are fighting to make it a better place.

Let’s Make It Happen.

These amazing documentaries are inspiring yet bound to also make you cry. I highly recommend watching one or all: 

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

Girl Rising

A Path Appears

18 thoughts on “International Women’s Day 2015 #MakeItHappen”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks for spreading the word!

      Reply ↓
  2. lulu – Houston, TX & Rockport, ME – I am a fiber artist with special emphasis on weaving, but I love working with threads and cloth in a variety of mediums. New ideas, new ways of connecting threads are the spice of life.
    lulu on said:

    I love each of these photos, especially how most are surrounded by color. Do you ever wonder if these women would find us to be interesting subjects?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lulu! Actually I have been a “subject” in other people’s photos too mostly when I was in China. Must be that blond hair! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much for the comment!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply ↓
  6. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Wonderful photos and message. Thank you.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison!

      Reply ↓
  7. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    A stunning collection Nicole. A lovely way to mark this day and the progress that has been made.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue!

      Reply ↓

  8. Beautifully strong women, every one! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn!

      Reply ↓
  9. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Wonderful post Nicole – love the portraits also. Great job.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Tina! It is sad that we need to even have International Women’s Day but there is so much work that needs to be done. I feel so blessed to have been born in a country where as a woman I’ve had the same status and opportunities as a man for the most part.

      Reply ↓

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