So often, important historical days get overlooked and passed up without much adieu or mention. I do it all the time, in March especially. After the pre-Valentine's Day anxiety-induced sugar rush and the subsequent post V-day sorrow-drowning candy sales, nothing really sparks my interests again until March 14th (the better of the "14th" holidays). If you've taken a math class, you know that 3.14 is Pi Day. You also know that you are supposed to eat copious and disgusting amounts of pie on this day, guilt and calorie-counting free. I anxiously await this day every year, knowing that I get to splurge at a local bakery, put on my stretchy pants and celebrate in true, gluttonous fashion.
This year though, I am trading in my gluttony for activism as I find myself anxiously waiting another day of honor - International Women's Day. Admittedly, it will be my first time taking part in an IWD action. And strangely enough, I have found myself coordinating events throughout the country to get other first timers involved too.
On March 8th, 2011, over 120 bridge marches will be held all around the world, with the help of an amazing organization called Women for Women International. Dedicated to providing a platform for women to make their demands, these bridges dually serve as a representation of the bridge that must be forged to create equal opportunity for women around the world. Last year, thousands of women from around the world gathered on bridges in their cities and home towns to speak out about issues regarding education, healthcare, equal opportunity, ending war, and creating peace. This year the same messages and more will be brought to bridges around the world. I urge you to join in these efforts to create a more sound world for women, and for all human beings.
(It will make you feel less guilty about all the pie too).
Join me on the bridge, March 8th, 2011 to celebrate women around the world and work toward building a brighter future for us all. Do this for yourself, for all the women in your life, and for all the women around the world who are faced with oppression and inequality and don't have a voice of their own. Hell, do it for training, since you'll be eating a whole pie 6 days later.
Build bridges and bake pies, instead of bombs and recipes for disaster.
For more information about bridge marches in your area, or to fill out a form to create your own CLICK HERE.
-Chelsea Byers, Staff Writer
chelseabyers@prippie.com