In honor of International Women’s Day celebrated yearly on March 8th, and although it should be celebrated every day until inequity ceases, I want to harken back to Eleanor Roosevelt and her defiant resistance to wars of aggression and inhumanity. I want us to realize the wisdom of the UN Declaration of Human Rights that powerfully called every world leader to acknowledge their responsibility to each and every human being on the face of the earth. I want us all to reckon with the way we were entrusted with the accountability of promoting, establishing and maintaining peace. The understandings so eloquently put forth in that document should not be lost or minimized as ruthless men attempt to divert humankind to its ugliest nature.
We have two natures. It’s time we reclaim our nature of peace. Today there are women’s voices that against tremendous odds are upholding the best in us.
Keep focused on Francesca Albanese, the first woman to head the UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories. She has repeatedly called out Israel’s ethnic cleansing and apartheid and has been sanctioned by the United States, but continues speaking truth to power.
Another important voice is Agnes Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International who recently spoke about the assassination of Iraqi human rights defender and feminist Yanar Mohammed. There are brilliant and, I will say, holy women, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in order that humanity might rise.
I have been fortunate to walk in the company of powerful women who refused to be sidelined. Their words continue to guide.
Wake up sisters, including my trans sisters and all gender challenging people. It’s ours to win and the time is now. Don’t be afraid. Reclaim our humanity. The ancestors and those yet to be born are counting on us to finally get it right.
It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. and it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it. Eleanor Roosevelt
Be uplifted with these AP photos Photos showing Women marking International Women’s Day
I will probably add to this post from time to time, but I must surely mention here the vision and wisdom of Grace Lee Boggs. Not to be missed.
The photo is in loving remembrance of Annie Kahn and all she shared of Dine (Navajo) culture and the power of being human.
let kindness win 