Who run the world?

Preach!

Did you know that today is International Women's Day? Throughout the world, celebrations range from remembering general sentiments (commitments to respect, appreciation and love towards women) to acknowledging more tangible accomplishments (women's economic, political and social achievements). Observed for the first time in 1909 (following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America) in the western world, International Women's Day became a more well-known popular event in 1977 when the UN General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women's rights and world peace. (Thanks Wiki!)

Now you're probably thinking "this shizz is right up Meri's alley" she's all "I want it all" (HERE) and "celebrate my accomplishments" (HERE) but something about International Women's Day just sorta irks me. I admit, women often travel a tougher road than men and far too many women face brutal discrimination and a complete lack of basic human rights; extra attention needs to be paid for sure, but is elevating women's problems over general societal inequalities really the answer? Maybe, but I'm not completely sold. I believe that if we focused on equality as a general concept, women would find allies among other disenfranchised groups and we could elevate the rights of all instead of just the rights of "she". Studies have proven that supporting women (via education, financial assistance and basic medical care) often lifts a community as a whole better than providing that same support to men, so maybe instead of a day that focuses on women as group in need, we can work towards a global culture that recognizes women as a most powerful tool. Intelligent, capable and caring individuals with as much ability to impact positive change on the world as anybody else. So whether it's "our" day or any other day... go get em girls!

And on a completely unrelated note...

Yesterday's snowstorm finally decided to make an appearance. Way to go weather(wo)man. Happy Weekend!!