Patricia Sands

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Sally Armstrong

Canadians in Support of Afghan Women

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Here’s where I will be this evening (Tuesday, Sept.8). If you are in the Oakville area, please check to see if there are tickets left and come along for an inspiring evening and an opportunity to offer support where it is seriously needed.

 
Canadians in Support of Afghan Women CSAW is a volunteer Canadian solidarity group committed to making women’s rights and protection under the law a priority in Afghanistan.
A Chapter of Canadian Women For Women In Afghanistan

“Education is the Light, May it never be extinguished”,

Mellissa Fung has revisited Afghanistan
Come hear about her new experience.

Download the Flyer | Purchase Tickets Online | Contact us for Tickets

© CSAW 2014

 

 

Last year at this time I attended a talk, hosted by CSAW, given by the intrepid journalist, author and human rights activist, Canada’s own, Sally Armstrong. It’s hard not to be in awe of her.

For decades she has spent time in some of the most war-torn parts of the world working towards improving the rights of women and girls. She is a powerful and engaging speaker and has recently published Ascent of Women, with its hopeful message that the world is indeed changing thanks to women raising their voices.

Funds raised at these evenings go to support the Lantern Fund, a teacher training initiative, organized by the not-for-profit Canadian Women For Women In Afghanistan.   These women are a force to be reckoned with ! (It’s okay to end this sentence with a preposition … I checked.)

One message conveyed repeatedly is how young women in Afghanistan are taking hold of change in their country, against terrible odds and great danger. And they are making progress. One small way we can help to show these brave young women and men (… yes, they are actually being successful in having young men join their fight for change!), is by liking their Facebook page, Young Women For Change,  and helping to share their message.

Once again, social media is helping to strengthen a cause. Click here  for more information.

Be part of the change!

 

 

I’m late! I’m late!

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I’m feeling a bit like the White Rabbit in Alice In Wonderland today! Tomorrow it will be a week since we arrived home from France but it feels like that happened yesterday. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

Photo credit: Pinterest
Photo credit: Pinterest

I feel terrible that I completely missed the International Day of The Girl, but I also know that these initiatives carry on through the year. If you missed it like I did, it’s not too late to go to the Facebook page and raise your hand in support of education for girls. Go ahead … do it photo9321now … I’ll gladly wait … and share it with your friends. Thanks! Why should some girls be denied the privilege of education that we are so fortunate to have in most parts of the western world?

Last evening I had the good fortune to attend a talk given by the intrepid journalist, author and human rights activist, Canada’s own, Sally Armstrong. For decades she has spent time in some of the most war-torn parts of the world working towards improving the rights of women and girls. She is a powerful and engaging speaker and has recently published Ascent of Women, with its hopeful message that the world is indeed changing thanks to women raising their voices.

Much of her talk last evening was focused on Afghanistan, as she was the guest of  Oakville-based Canadians In Support of Afghan Women . Funds raised went to support the Lantern Fund, a teacher training initiative, organized by the not-for-profit Canadian Women For Women In Afghanistan.   These women are a force to be reckoned with ! (It’s okay to end this sentence with a preposition … I checked … )

Click here to read an article about the evening.

As always, Sally’s message was inspiring and this particular aspect resonated with me. She spoke of how young women in Afghanistan are taking hold of change in their country, against terrible odds and great danger. And they are making progress. One small way we can help to show these brave young women and men (… yes, they are actually being successful in having young men join their fight for change!), is by liking their Facebook page, Young Women For Change,  and helping to share their message. Once again, social media is helping to strengthen a cause. Click here for their website. Be part of it!

And not to forget … If it’s Friday, it must be France …

They just don’t make windows like they used to!

Nice-PSandsPhotos
Nice-PSandsPhotos

Are you busy catching up with “stuff”, like I am, or do you have a nice relaxing few days planned? Whatever the case, I wish you a bon weekend!

 

Friday, March 8th is International Women’s Day! Celebrate!

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It’s that time again- Friday is International Women’s Day! How does it come around so quickly? I’m posting before March 8th so you have time to check and see how you might get involved. There are many events and celebrations planned around the world. Check here to see what is happening in your area.

In Toronto, International Canadian activist, speaker and author Sally Armstrong will be hosting a live blog which is something we can all be part of no matter where we happen to find ourselves. She is truly a woman who lives as she believes and puts herself in harm’s way on a regular basis to further the cause of women around the world. Here’s the info:

Date & time: 08 March 2013 12.00 to 13.00
Event: LIVE BLOG WITH JOURNALIST AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST SALLY ARMSTRONG
About: Sally Armstrong will share stories from her new book Ascent of Women. She says a new revolution is unfolding and the exciting story is being written by women in mud-brick houses in Afghanistan and Egypt’s Tahrir Square and in Congo’s forests. She introduces us to change makers – women who are claiming their space at home, at work and in the public square, including girls in Kenya suing their government for not protecting them from rape. Join us for a live chat with Sally Armstrong on International Women’s day as she shares these stories from the front lines. You will be able to join the discussion, ask questions and comment.
Venue: Join us online at MSN.ca, Toronto, ON

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In recognition of International Women’s Day, I am posting a reminder about the Canadian Women’s Foundation. Please click on the name to visit their website and see how you might get involved.

You may have read about this before on my blog as I like to give a shout out to this extraordinary organization when I can. I’m proud to be a member of this group that is constantly researching needs and building programs through the actions of a community of women and men coming together for a common cause.

Over the last twenty years, the Canadian Women’s Foundation has invested $35 million in more than 1,100 community programs across Canada.

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A public foundation, it consists of committed supporters, donors and volunteers across the country and diligent, enthusiastic staff workers that passionately believe in the importance of social change.

In the simplest terms, CWF invests in programs that move women and girls out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence. In part these programs strive to:

 teach young people about healthy relationships;

 counsel children who have witnessed violence, to help them heal and prevent them from becoming victims or abusers themselves;

  support women as they rebuild their lives after abuse.

Investing in the power of women and the dreams of girls. 

I also want to share this link at one of my favourite travel websites Journeywoman.com. To recognize International Women’s Day they have posted a wonderful photo gallery of women from around the world. The photos were taken by bloggers as they traveled about on their personal journeys. Take a break and enjoy!

Needless to say every day is a day for considering the equality of every single person. However these special days are set aside to help build awareness and connect the global community. How will you recognize International Women’s Day? Whether your recognition is a quiet word of support to a woman in need, an offer to help another, or a big brassy celebration, everything counts. Do something!