This week, the Oscars treated us to Seth McFarlene singing “We Saw Your Boobs” and the sequester cuts go into effect that will negatively impact women. But there were bright spots…

VAWA PASSES AND MOVES TO PRES OBAMA’S DESK

The VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT was finally reauthorized. The U.S. House of Representatives voted yesterday and passed the bipartisan Senate version, which included key protections for campus rape, Native and immigrant women, and LGBTQ women.  Representative Gwen Moore, Democrat of Wisconsin and a victim of domestic and sexual violence herself, spoke passionately about the need to pass the Senate’s bill.

I pray that this body will do as the Senate has done and come together as one to protect all women from violence. As I think about the L.G.B.T. victims who are not here, the native women who are not here, the immigrants who aren’t in this bill, I would say, as Sojourner Truth would say, ‘Ain’t they women?’ ”

Every Democratic and 87 Republicans voted for the Senate bill; 138 GOP members voting against it.  Among the nay votes was House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.).  The House’s action means that VAWA will be reauthorized for another five years, with $659 million being provided for various programs targeting domestic violence. How has the VAWA made a difference?

In a 24-hour period in the U.S., local domestic violence programs provided emergency shelter, transitional housing, supportive counseling, advocacy or other services to more than 67,000 women, children and men. Since 1994 when VAWA went into effect, there’s been a 34% reduction in women killing their batterers because they felt they had no choice, that their survival was at stake.  Learn more at http://4vawa.org/ .

WOMEN WHO MAKE AMERICA EDUCATES

MAKERS:  Women Who Make America, the documentary on 50 years of feminism in America debuted on PBS, causing a stir and lots of healthy conversations across the nation. If you missed it, check PBS.org or http://www.makers.com/ . It is a must see!

And it’s up to you to seize the work that lays before us — like claiming an equal voice in our political system, or demanding equal pay for equal work, or taking leadership roles in big business. You are among the mighty group of Makers just ahead who can help make new history.” Marlo Thomas

MARCH 8TH IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY celebrations have begun! The official date is March 8th but many events are set for today.

If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” Margaret Thatcher

To find events in your area: http://internationalwomensday.com/ I’m excited to be joining National NOW President Terry O’Neill here in St. Louis on Sunday for a celebration. On Monday, O’Neill will deliver a lecture at Washington University’s Law School entitled “Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Latest Stealth Tactics in the War on Women.” Can’t wait!

WHEN WOMEN ARE HEARD, THEY CHANGE THE WORLD:  DO YOU HAVE TIME TO VOLUNTEER?

Want to do something tangible? World Pulse is looking for volunteers! World Pulse has grown from a Portland, OR kitchen table to a global network, partnering with over 40 top international organizations empowering women. World Pulse is seeking volunteers for the upcoming Voices of Our Future Application and Digital Action Campaign .

When women’s voices are equally heard and supported in the media, it results in increased family and child wellbeing, more investment in education and health care, better economic growth and job creation, as well as proper transparency and accountability. It accelerates social healing after trauma, as well as information sharing and problem-solving. Most importantly, it strengthens community networks, environmental stewardship, and the democratic process, as well as arts, culture, and creativity. ”

Access at https://worldpulse.com/about/opportunities and click on Online Listener Volunteer to learn more. Deadline for applications is March 19, 2013.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

Remember Hillary Clinton’s Women’s Rights Are Human Rights speech in Beijing in 1995?

As long as discrimination and inequities remain so commonplace around the  world – as long as girls and women are valued less, fed less, fed last,  overworked, underpaid, not schooled and subjected to violence in and out  of their homes – the potential of the human family to create a peaceful,  prosperous world will not be realized.”

May this International Women’s Day find you safe, well, celebrating how far we’ve come and ready to commit to doing just one thing to further strengthen our human family!