08 March 2008

Celebrating Women’s History Month with Blogs, Wikis and Facebook

One of the most loving ways we can honor one another as passionate women of purpose is to support other women bloggers. Blogging has become a medium that allows women to be strong and out-spoken, yet still remain true women. We are allowed to show our authentic selves and truly shine.

For me personally, a whole new world has opened up as a blogger, and in particular a woman blogger. Since my work is directed towards women, this is especially wonderful for me. Though in this country, women have made terrific strides and advancements, I do feel we tend to take that for granted.

When a woman is in the forefront or up for any leadership position, do we support and encourage her; or do we tend to try to tear her down? Why is it that strong men are considered strong, yet strong women are considered bitches? And how have we as women perpetuated that belief?

“Old woman,” the young woman asked, “What is the heaviest burden a woman has to bear?” And the old woman answered her, “Young woman, the heaviest burden a woman has to bear is to have no burden at all.”

This month, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us reflect on how far women have really come in this world. Yet, let us not forget how hard it is for others.

Some of the issues the United Nations and International Women's Day have focused on include the following:

~ About 25,000 brides are burned to death each year in India because of insufficient dowries. The groom's family will set the bride on fire, presenting it as an accident or suicide. The groom is then free to remarry.
~ In a number of countries, women who have been raped are sometimes killed by their own families to preserve the family's honor. Honor killings have been reported in Jordan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and other Persian Gulf countries.
~ According to UNICEF, 100 million to 140 million girls and women have undergone some form of female genital mutilation. Today, this practice is carried out in 28 African countries, despite the fact that it is outlawed in a number of these nations.

One way to honor other women, especially women bloggers, is to support the work of the W Magical List of Women Bloggers. It has been for me a labor of love and a tremendous honor to connect with so many women who share themselves unselfishly.

Remember in this world of love and abundance, there is enough to go around. There is plenty for each of us. We receive more blessings when we can share our blessings in gratitude. I am extremely thankful for all the women of the W Magical List, and to those who have yet to join the conversation.

Two women I want to acknowledge because I am in such deep gratitude for their initiative, their love and their support: Valeria Maltoni and Toby Bloomberg. Without these two ladies, the conversation would not have been given the wings to fly. I toast you both.

And to all the women I have been graced to connect with, on the wiki and on the W List Facebook Group. Peace and blessings to you all.

If you haven’t yet done so, please take a moment to join the wiki for the W Magical List of Women Bloggers and add your name and blog. Also, come join the W List on Facebook. And when you arrive, look me up and I would honored to be your friend.

Here's to honoring women...on purpose!
Coach Carolyn

1 comment:

Valeria Maltoni said...

Thank you for the inspiration, Carolyn. And for your wonderful work of stewardship and love. I am honored to have met you.