Happy International Women's Day! Feliz Día de la Mujer!

image via google

          Three years ago I was introduced to International Women's Day while abroad. Oddly before then I wasn't really aware of the day. It wasn't until interning in Ecuador with a battered women's shelter, La Casa Matilde, that I even knew people celebrated it. The first time I celebrated it La Casa Matilde and other women's organizations put together a march to raise awareness of women's issues. That day was so inspiring as women, children, and organizations that fight for women's issues all marched to raise awareness of women's issues and celebrate women. At the end of the march all the organizations met up and they had different presentations for the audience of mostly children, about hard issues like domestic violence. I and some of the other volunteers got up and took a "Domestic Violence Vaccine" after pledging not to commit domestic violence. They also had domestic violence clowns, which was a bit odd, but obviously a way to teach the kids about these issues. Since then international women's day has become a day that I remember and celebrate with enthusiasm. So today think about the women in your life who have made a difference to you and also think about women less fortunate. If you can, think about donating to a women's organization or volunteering with one. Either way just take some time to remember and celebrate the women in your life and around the world.