looking outward and beyond...

As Thanksgiving approaches here in the United States, I think about the many advantages I have, just by living here.

I am fortunate in that I live in a beautiful home, eat well, and know that I can go out alone, doing so in relative safety. There is still progress to be made for women here in the work place, but we can work and have our independence. Women in the visual arts often have our talents overlooked by a still male dominated field - but I think that women in general have the potential for living fairly comfortable lives. I acknowledge that there are many individuals facing great challenges out there, especially in these economic times, and particularly single mothers - I don't want to diminish any one's experience, however I still believe we have access to more resources than many, in other parts of the world.

click on image for closer view

The following is one of those places,

and there are ways we can help,

so I thought I'd pass this along...

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

Day 1 - November 25, 2009
The Women of the Farchana Camp - The Survivors
Take Action: Read and Share the Farchana Manifesto

Day 2 - November 26, 2009
Zainab Salbi - The Entrepreneur
Take Action: Ribbon of Solidarity

Day 3 - November 27, 2009
Maria Bello - The Cause-lebrity
Take Action: Light a Candle

Day 4 - November 28, 2009
Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Abdallah - The Healer
Take Action: Letter of Support

Day 5 - November 29, 2009
Rev. Dr. Gloria White-Hammond - The Faith Leader
Take Action: Small Groups, Prayer Circles, Social Justice Boards and Sermons

Day 6 - November 30, 2009
Reporters Covering Violence Against Women in Sudan
Take Action: Letter to the Editor

Day 7 - December 1, 2009
Melanne Verveer - The Trailblazer
Take Action: “Women’s Rights are Human Rights” Social Media Outbreak

Day 8 - December 2, 2009
Rebecca Davis - The Dancer
Take Action: Creative Community

Day 9 - December 3, 2009
Refugees International - The Protectors
Take Action: Inform Yourself

Day 10 - December 4, 2009
Fatima Haroun - The Community Activist
Take Action: Community Events

Day 11 - December 5, 2009
Senators Barbara Boxer & Russ Feingold - The Policymakers
Take Action: Contact Your Senator

Day 12 - December 6, 2009
Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda and Swanee Hunt - The Mediators
Take Action: Read the Steinberg Testimony about Inclusive Peace

Day 13 - December 7, 2009
Halima Bashir - The One Who Shared Her Story
Take Action: Book Club & Discussion

Day 14 - December 8, 2009
Humanitarian and Civil Society Organizations Working on the Ground
Take Action: Contact Your Representative

Day 15 - December 9, 2009
Ann Curry - The Journalist
Take Action: Contact Your Networks

Day 16 - December 10, 2009
Zeinab Eyega - The Immigrant Advocate
Take Action: Connect with Diaspora Groups