On March 8th, 2013, from the four corners of the earth, women will gather together to celebrate International Women’s Day. This celebration started out as a support for women’s voting and working rights and has taken place for over 100 years. Today, on this wonderful day, women gather not only to voice different rights they want to be heard but also just in the plain simple joy of being a woman.
Women have gathered for thousands of years to talk and share ideas of what makes them happy, what upsets them, what they would like to see changed and what they can do about different issues to help other women in need. Whether it’s about preparing and cooking a meal, raising a family or discussing extremely important social issues, women have always been very good at getting together. With this beautiful gift, they’ve made great contributions to progress of society. Women like Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks and Anne Frank are a few of the women that come to my mind when I think of courage and leadership.
In North-Brabant, there are various events. In Eindhoven, International Women’s Day is organized and run by Carola Eijsenring from Indigo World. This celebration is shaping up to be a magnificent event. As part of a worldwide movement called ‘Join Me on the Bridge’, women from around North-Brabant will begin International Women’s Day at the bridge near the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven at 12:00 hrs. Silke Georgi will be speaking, on behalf of Indigo World, about the importance of this event. A representative from the Van Abbe will be speaking as well, welcoming women to International Women’s Day. A group picture will be taken to be sent to the ‘Join Me on the Bridge’ campaign and may also be included in the ‘One Billion Rising’ campaign.
Then, a short, joint walk will take place, walking to De Oude Rechtbank at Stratumseind 32 in Eindhoven. The Old Courthouse on Stratumseind is my new favorite place, where old meets new.
After a reception from Indigo World at 13:00 hrs, events will run from 14:00 to 19:00 hrs. Maps will be distributed to guests so they will know which events they would like to see or participate in. The program includes a variety of music, performances, poetry readings, theater, workshops and an open stage. Admission is €3.00 and you will need to bring a little cash for drinks and appetizers.
March 8th, a day to remember and pay gratitude to our mothers and grandmothers for leading us to be strong and brave and to teach our own daughters that they are not only beautiful, but intelligent women of the world. Participating in a worldwide event for women, with women, making powerful connections … this American Girl says Yes! See you at the bridge.
1. Join Me on the Bridge 2012 Photo credit Mahnaz Shahrokhi
2. International Women’s Day 2011 Photo credit Saskia Holtjer
Carola Eijsenring from Indigo World
1. Indigo World http://www.indigo-wereld.nl/
2. Join Me on the Bridge
{youtube}eHEuDRLgZYo{/youtube}
3. One Billion Rising http://onebillionrising.org/
