I vaguely remember a play when I was growing up called “Women Hold up Half the Sky”. I’m assuming it was about the important role that women play in the betterment of society and how we often, as a whole, don’t step into our roles (for various reasons). The saying comes from a Chinese proverb and is gaining momentum with the release of “Half the Sky” by Pulitzer Prize winners, Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.
Last week I tuned into their discussion on Oprah about the worldwide plight of women. I immediately ordered the book and went to Oprah’s site to see what women’s programs are being supported. I found a few to participate in, as well as, an organization in my neighborhood that opened and supports a school in Kenya.
I received the book a few days later. Although I haven’t read the book yet, I did skim through it and will read it over the next few weeks. The book speaks about moving beyond the oppression of women through education and opportunity. In essence, when we know more, we do better.
Although some things are changing, women are still considered as expendable and are not treated as equals. Even with all of the achievements of women (especially in western societies), we are still seen as property and are objectified. We have a very long way to go…in all parts of the world. But, things can and will get better. It just takes many hands in the pot to get things stirring.
So, please make the time to go on Oprah’s site to find some international women’s programs to support. It often only takes a few dollars a month (literally) to help a woman or child in need. Also, watch Oprah’s follow-up show on Christmas day. She’s highlighting some of the success stories of women from the book. And, get the book!
We need to pool our feminine resources of compassion, love, and caretaking to help one another. In this day and age, no woman or child should suffer. Women do hold up half the sky! And, the sooner we really realize this and teach it to the many others who don’t know, the sooner we can have an immensely better earth to live on.
