Today is one of my favorite days of the year. It is International Women’s Day, a day around the world to honor women and girls and to look at the progress that has been made and the work that remains to be done. For those who have followed my blog for a while, you know that the rights of women and girls lies near and dear to my heart. I’ve witnessed the inequities and injustice firsthand throughout my travels around the world.
Women and girls are more likely to be poor, unable to go to school, be married young and not have the same opportunities as boys and men. Women still die during childbirth at alarming rates, and are being victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking even here in the United States. The list of tragedies goes on and on.
However, the exciting news is this reality is rapidly changing. More women and girls are being empowered with education, training, and access to healthcare, mobile money, micro financing and the internet. The future is looking much brighter for women and girls than it did just a decade ago. So instead of dwelling on the bad things, I want to honor the good things that are happening by highlighting a few of my favorite women and girls I’ve met along the way.
Bolivia
Eugenia, our cook, inside the “kitchen” tent gives us a big smile.
Ethiopia
Children in Mosebo Village 42 k away from Bahir Dar in Ethiopia.
Midwives in training
Mother.
Weaver at work.
Inside we meet a mother and her expectant daughter. They walked two hours on foot to reach the Lie and Wait house. Her mother delivered all 8 children at home with no help.
Tanzania
I couldn’t resist getting my picture taken with these lovely girls.
Me and Mary learning how to make Maasai jewelry that she can sell to earn a profit.
Haiti
Our group, #Bloggers4Haiti
Cuba
Lovely smiling sisters.
The abeulas of Cuba
Guatemala
Maria. Guatemala.
Costa Rica
Xiña leads the way with her walking stick ready.
Inside Zulay’s house
Xiña and her sister who lives in Puerto Jimenez and will be our cook for the next day.
Honduras
The girls in Honduras where I volunteered.
India
Smiling and hopeful Indian girls within a Delhi slum
I will forever be grateful for the amazing women and girls I’ve met along the way that have inspired me to do more and fight for them.
Want to learn more about International Women’s Day and what is happening? Follow the hashtag #BeBoldForChange or #IWD2017 online.Â
Nicole, each image reflects the spirit and soul of the women and girls. It’s a day to re-commit to gender equality and civl equality for all.
Yes indeed Sally! Thanks as always for your amazing support! 🙂
Very life affirming! A beautiful post <3
Thank you Hanna!
You have some wonderful photos Nicole, and this is a beautiful tribute to the women of the world.
Alison
Thanks so much Alison! 🙂
IWD is one one my new favorite days as well!
These photos are stunning. Would you mind if I tried to sketch the photo titled “Mother?” I can’t stop staring at it. (If I create something decent, I’ll be happy to share it and include a link back here so others can enjoy the real thing)
That would be fantastic! Thanks!
Beautiful tribute to women and girls.
Thanks Debbie! Hope you are doing well! 🙂
Wonderful portraits Nicole, but my fav is the capture of you with Mary 😊. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Tina!
A great tribute Nicole on such an important day.
Thank you Andrew! 🙂
Beautiful post and article! Great pictures and tribute to women and girls. Thanks for sharing it.
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Thank you for reading and stopping by!
This is amazing, really beautiful photos!
So glad you enjoyed the post!
Beautiful!!!!!
Thank you!