International Womens Day

Today is a day to celebrate the achievements of women across the globe, whether these are social, political, economic or cultural.  Whether these achievements are big or small  International Womens Day gives us a chance to appreciate the work of women everywhere.  A day to shout from the rooftops or to quietly get our point across, but everyday we can aim for change, improve lives and achieve things that even twenty years ago may not have been possible for women.  

As my contribution to International Womens Day I thought I would signpost charities and projects I completely support.  

White Ribbon Alliance 

I discovered this charity a few years ago through a friend who went to volunteer at one of their projects in Uganda.  Every mother deserves to have their new baby delivered safely, wherever they are, respecting their religion, beliefs, values and traditions.  Respectful maternity care observes every expectant mothers right to care and support and became the main theme for WRA's initiative five years ago and is very much embedded in their work.  Personally I am eternally grateful to the amazing maternity care I was given at a very scary time with my youngest daughter, in the weeks before her birth and her early delivery.  White Ribbon Alliance reminds me that this care should not be taken for granted with so many women not even receiving basic maternity care. 

To find out more please visit the White Ribbon Alliance website. 

Inspiring Women, Inspiring Change - Anna Kennedy Online

Living in a world full of diversity helps us to accept differences yet many are still misunderstood and often feared because of this misunderstanding.  I was recently contacted about the Inspiring Women, Inspiring Change film project from Anna Kennedy Online showcases five mothers living with autism.  Motherhood is a scary world as it is but even more challenging for these women, caring for and supporting their children, yet they are achieving professionally with their children inspiring them everyday.  Autism is greatly misunderstood in our noisy, crazy busy world but it should never stop anybody achieving their goals and dreams, no matter how big or small.  Faced with numerous challenges as a mother with a child diagnosed with autism, these women have found support from each other through this project.  Whilst I may not have a personal experience of a child with autism, having recently had a child diagnosed with Motor Tourettes Syndrome, I would have appreciated a sisterhood like this in facing the challenges this syndrome provides.  

To watch the Inspiring Women, Inspiring Change film please click here.

Sisterhood

Last year saw the first Sisterhood camp, created and curated by the very lovely Lou Archell of Little Green Shed blog.  Lou wanted to bring together like minded women to share stories, nurture creativity and with a love of nature.  So the idea of Sisterhood Camp was dreamt up and after months of planning became a reality.  For me the whole concept of women supporting each other is refreshing.  Sisterhood should be celebrated and Lou has certainly found a beautiful way to do this.

To find out more about Sisterhood camps, suppers and workshops click here. 

Also as part on International Womens Day I wanted to signpost you to a couple of posts I have written about barriers in womens healthcare here in the UK. 

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo