Planes, Trains, and Running Shoes

Once, in grad school, I got into a heated debate with a classmate about the 'point' of a day like International Women's Day. She said that having one day to bring attention to global women's issues wasn't enough and that we should be bringing attention to these issues every day. While I certainly agreed with her, the sheer number of articles, tweets, blog posts, etc. that have popped up in my email, newsfeeds, etc. are enough prove my side of the argument - Yes, we DO need days liked this...when a wealth of information on a given subject is provided and shared so that people not normally engaged in these issues can taken action.

If you're new around here and wondering why I'm bringing this up: here's a quick back story. I wrote my Master's thesis on providing opportunities for adolescent girls in conflict and post-conflict societies. My undergrad capstone focused on human trafficking and my professional career has been focused on the rights of women AND girls.

So, since it's Friday, when we're all just a little bit checked out - and it's International Women's Day, I thought I'd share some of my favorite pieces around the web highlighting the issue.

Websites and Videos
1. Girl Rising - Leanna and I went to the screening of this film last night. Check local listings to see if it's playing near you and go check it out. Incredible film highlighting important issues with all proceeds going to Girl Up - a campaign of the United Nations Foundation. Check out the trailer:


2. Because I am a Girl - One of my absolute favorite initiatives from Plan International and the source of inspiration for my Master's thesis.

3. The Girl Effect - Sponsored by the Nike Foundation, this video is one of the first to make viral the plight of girls.


4. Ending Female Infanticide in India - "A Fight to Save Baby Girls"

And here, in our own country, yesterday's Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, signed  by President Obama is not, as Democrats and the media are calling it, a win for Obama, it is a win for women across the country.

Let's hope that acts like this are passed in countries across the globe and let's hope that the attention brought to women and girls today marks a continued fight for progress for global women's issues.