Wednesday 17 March 2010

International Welsh Womens Day

International Women's Day





Hello, Bonjour, Salaam, shwmae...

The reason for international 'hello's' is because Tuesday 16th March 2010 was the celebration of the Welsh Women's Day! Internationally it is celebrated on 8th March.

This year was the 99th year of the momentous occasion! It was held at the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, and was filled was lots of passionate individuals from many organisations all for the cause of equality and well being of women.

Depending where you are in the world the focus is the celebration of respect, love and appreciation towards women.

It's incredible to think that it started back on March 19th in Germany, after women protested due to the harsh working conditions they were put under during the 20th century within the factories. It was celebrated every year but dwindled during the 1920s, however since the rise of feminism during the 1960s was revived and is still running to this day.

In many countries it is regarded as a national holiday, such as, Portugal where many women throw 'women only parties' in celebration of International Womens Day.

It shows that we have very much evolved from the early 20th centry where women had to fight for the vote and to work, but the real question poses, have we really?

As the 21st century woman faces many hardships but in a different context, some may not be fighting for the vote, but many are fighting for flexibilty, i.e within the workforce, when it comes to equal pay. Or when it comes to relationships of the modern woman according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence "One In Four Women will experience domestic violence in her life time." I find this shocking as women nowadays despite have more resources and access to education to empower themselves, these issues still exist, or have they always existed and today due to feminist movements of the past, are we more exposed to them, as they are frequently reported?

There were many talks from many organisations and workshops about women facing domestic abuse, and its great to see lots of women heloing other women empower themselves and to be in a place filled with passion and kick ass attitudes.


The media, and celebritys alike are jumping on board to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctoZbeD-GlY

However sorry to leave it on a sad note but it is very much a note of reality , issues on domestic abuse and violence still exist within society today, but its great to see more people are started to take notice to combat them.

For more information on Domestic abuse see:-

http://www.letswrap.com/dvinfo/whatis.htm

If you're suffering in silence from a partner miss treating you, or not making you feel as happy as you know deep down inside you should be call Womens Aid, free and confidentially on:-

PHONE: 0808 2000 247

Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk

This woman has been kind, gentle,
and has much love,
All of this has been given with
the blessing of the Great Spirit above,
But Great Spirit gave her something
else and she didn't know it...
The Great Spirit gave her
the blessing of being a warrior woman
as now her light is lit!

This warrior woman has come
fully alive today,
She is no longer anyone's slave or prey,
She is taking back her life today,
And those who know who she truly is,
can stay.
No longer will she live the lives of others,
She will give back the blames and responsibilities of others
where it belongs,
For she also has the bear and wolf inside her,
which is now so very powerful
and uniquely strong.

......................................

Now it is time for me to travel on my new path,
As a warrior woman conquering all wrath.
If you ever see and want to meet me,
Please come, and I will also teach and share with you how to be free.

Snippets taken from

Poem copyright © Lady J-Ann
Lady J-Ann has dedicated this piece to Survivors of Domestic Violence.
Please take some time to visit her inspiring website, A Lady's View

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