Every year a powerful theme drives the goals for the year of the International Women’s Day.
2014 Theme: INSPIRING CHANGE
From the IWD Home Page ~”Women’s equality has made positive gains but the world is still unequal. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.
Inspiring Change is the 2014 theme for our internationalwomensday.com global hub and encourages advocacy for women’s advancement everywhere in every way. It calls for challenging the status quo for women’s equality and vigilance inspiring positive change.”
The 3 C’s of life : We have to choose to take a chance before change will happen.
Special days are held to draw particular attention to a cause. Whether the cause is gender based or against bullying and war or for peace or love, to name just a few, caring about these issues should be a part of our daily life. Change is also a part of our daily life, often unexpected. The more we have the courage to make choices and embrace change, the more we will inspire others to do the same.
Some of the women I want to celebrate today are fine examples of ones who have inspired change in each other through five decades. They represent honest, non-judgemental friendship that is always there to listen, to guide, to question, and to pick you up when you stumble so you can stand tall and try again. Celebrate those women in your life ~ give them a call and tell them how you feel.
And now, a shout-out to all those who raise their voices against violence and work to inspire change for women and girls all over the world. If you don’t know about the global catalyst V-day, you should. Get involved! Share the message and inspire others to do the same.
Click this link to watch a short video that explains the importance of V-Day. It is definitely worth your time! Then inspire others by passing it along.
Within the writing community recently, women (and some men) participated in the Beauty of A Woman Blogfest, now an annual event hosted by the effervescent August McLaughlin. Click on the link to read the inspirational quotes she thoughtfully took the time to compile!
In my post for the BOAW Blogfest this year, there’s a video about the ERA and the fact it still has not been ratified in the United States! Whaaaa? I know! That’s what I said too. Now there’s a change that is long overdue. Raise your voices and make it happen! Click here to see the video. It’s inspiring!
I will end this post as I did last year with a link to Evelyn Hannon’s wonderful Journeywoman.com website where she is once again hosting a photo exhibit of women around the world. The photography has been sent in by bloggers and travellers and it is simply … yes … inspiring!
Go forth and inspire change in large ways and small. We can do it! Examine the possibilities in life that exist for each and every one of us.
You know what I like to say, every opportunity I get:
Patricia Sands 
Wonderful post, Patricia! I wasn’t able to get one together in time but i try to offer regular support to women in various ways.I need to get over to V-Day and to see the photos at journeywoman! That pic of you and your bridge club is one of my favorites! Enjoy a terrific weekend, you awesome woman!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by, Marcia. I know what a strong supporter you are of all of the issues that are so important to women’s causes. It’s hard to find time to check out all the links we get passed on to us but I think you will enjoy these.
There are very many inspiring women around the world. I applaud them all. Great post saluting them here.
Thanks, Phil! You are always such a great supporter of women’s causes.