“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:
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide