by Cynthia English

Despite dynamic shifts and strife occurring globally, is this not the opportune moment to take our time on earth and foster the momentum that was fueled as far back as 1865 and 1899 when we came together as nations to build collaborations–not war? To honor one another. To help one another. In 1919 the League of Nations was organized and became the forerunner of the United Nations, established “to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security.”* And in 1998, Ted Turner established the United Nations Foundation with the mission of supporting the United Nations and bringing the world together fostering initiatives in environment, healthcare, women’s empowerment, security and peace. To celebrate life in harmony.

Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. #IWD2014. A by-product of the Suffragette Movement, with a focus on empowering women everywhere, IWD was first officially recognized in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland in 1911. It is an official holiday in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia and now, it has gone global.

A unique time in history, unlike any before us, we are connected not just physically, but through consciousness–emotionally–the internet has opened a world we can see, as well as, spontaneously hear in real time. The men and women who risk their lives and take ‘life’ time to bring us news of others’ joys, frustrations, fears, successes, needs and desires, spearhead delivering us this information so we are aware and may help to make the world a better place. Often those needs and desires are core and basic: food, water, medicine, safety–safety. Sometimes: a voice. Always: education.

globalmoms In tandem with International Women’s Day, Global Moms Relay (formerly, Million Moms Challenge) is underway through Mother’s Day, to provide partners for women in support of their efforts of raising children who will come together as human beings willing to understand, embrace and celebrate the power of our differences and support one another in them. Reaching out. Raising children who will be the needed representatives of caring and engaged global citizens.

Health, happiness, peace of mind are fundamentals. As co-exisiting human beings, we need healthy, vital, educated young people coming together from every corner of this planet to sustain our world. Just click here to support International Women’s Day and Global Moms Relay #globalmomsrelay and help promote the beauty of people everywhere–even when their ideas differ from our own–

To Note: International Day of Happiness is March 20th with Pharrell Williams supporting the United Nations and the United Nations Foundation in fostering another positive global initiative: HAPPY!
**quote: The United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/aboutun/history/