“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.
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:Â
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Reblogged this on lineldias and commented:
#MakeItHappen
Thanks for spreading the word!
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?
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! 🙂
I agree, a lot of progress made and so much more to accomplish. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures!
Thanks so much for the comment!
Reblogged this on Martha Keim-St. Louis' blog and commented:
Not mine, but could not take my eyes off the photos
Thanks so much for sharing!
Reblogged this on Toward the within….
Thanks so much for sharing!
Wonderful photos and message. Thank you.
Alison
Thanks Alison!
A stunning collection Nicole. A lovely way to mark this day and the progress that has been made.
Thanks Sue!
Beautifully strong women, every one! 🙂
Thanks LuAnn!
Wonderful post Nicole – love the portraits also. Great job.
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.