Day 7 - 68 -- Truth and Justice

Since 1977, March 8 has been International Women's Day. In the early 1900s, women began to organize to advocate for improved work conditions. About 70 years later, the United Nations adopted the date for an annual global day of advocacy for women's rights. The Google doodle today is a kaleidoscope of women -- such a cool way to celebrate women's contributions to the world - socially, politically and economically. The theme for the day this year is "an equal world is an enabled world." This day highlights the goal of gender parity through collective community action. Equality is important to allow women to become empowered, though it is likely that equity might be a better concept to pursue. Providing the same supports to everyone may not even the playing field; different supports may be needed for different people. Ideally, the reasons for the inequities will be understood and the systemic barriers will be removed allowing access to all without any specific supports. This would represent justice instead of equality.

Gloria Steinem has stated, "The story for women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." It is worth noting here that whenever Steinem is interviewed it is pretty much guaranteed that she will be introduced as a former playboy bunny rather than for all her work advocating for women's rights. She has noted this reporting bias and experiences this even now at age 85.

While improvements have occurred in some sectors and regions, there is still a long way to go. The UN web site today reports that women earn 23% less than men globally; that women occupy only 24% of parliamentary seats worldwide; and that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence. Clearly more work is needed to improve such statistics.

A song that came to mind today wasn't one of the feminist anthems, but one that has a unique meaning when covered by women. The three voices blend so well -- it gives me shivers. It is so wonderful to see them all together during their early careers. Enjoy!

I Shall be Released -- Cass Eliott, Mary Travers & Joni Mitchell (from Cass Eliott Show June 1969)