Six highlights from six months in Thailand
A dedication to key women in my life.
Over the years I’ve been surrounded by inspiring, intelligent & independent women. If I hadn’t seen some of the world during this time; working in often-ignored community groups & learning about local issues, I may well be asking why is there a need for ‘International Women’s Day’?
The fact is, like with many other dedicated days throughout the year, women have had to not only fight for equality but, in all countries, still have to do so. Yes, some of our most significant leaders in the UK are female (current Prime Minister, Current Home Office Secretary, the Queen…) but that doesn’t eradicate the gender pay gap; nor does it cancel out other issues like women having to wear heals in the workplace if their boss demands it of them.
I don’t want to use this day to focus on the negatives (A whole host of examples could be listed where women continue to struggle around the globe…) Instead, I want to dedicate today to those key women in my life, who have helped shape who I am and who continue to do so.
The mother and I on an evening out.
To my mother, a strong-minded, determined & dedicated women who has been through it all, and more; my sister, Louise, an equally independent & strong-minded individual who strives regardless of problems of the past; my eldest sister, Marie, a teacher, a mother & a follower of the Lord, who undoubtedly supports & inspires hundreds of children a year; and all of my aunties but, in particular, Christine, who offered a much needed sanctuary throughout our childhood.
With Brogan, Ntokozo, and others helping the Red Cross on World AIDS Day.
To my best friends Janine & Michelle, who are out there doing their own things, bettering themselves & those around them; Mrs Buff, my confident throughout my most difficult years, the teacher who wanted me to return to replace her on retirement; to Joanne, who saw that I never went without, when alone in a high rise flat as a teen; and to Brogan & TK of the Red Cross, who first truly opened my eyes to the impact of volunteerism.
Two passionate ladies, achieving change, at a local level in Nicaragua – Mixis, and Lola.
To Claire, my East London sister (from another mister) with a heart of gold and a fire in her soul; to Mixis, Lola & Ninoska, my Nicaraguan ladies fighting the fight in a hurricane-hit Latin-American community; to Debs and Mel, Prestonians with community development in their bones who ooze knowledge & inspiration; And finally to Joan, beautiful glorious Joan, for whom this whole site is dedicated to. How I miss you; how much poorer the world is without you.
To all the women out there, this day is for you.
To return to my opening question, the point of International Women’s Day is exactly that, it’s them, the women.
Thank you ladies; keep fighting the fight xxx.
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