March 8 marks International Women's Day each year.  Although little known in this area, it has been a recognized holiday since 1909.  With roots in political and social awareness of women's rights, the United Nations theme for International Women's Day 2007 is "Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls."

There are many examples of violence against women in our own area, as in all parts of the world.  It makes no sense that approximately half of the world's population feels a strong need to dominate the other half.  The female brings nurturing and wisdom to all relationships - at home, at work, and in society generally.  To violate these human beings negates the aggressors' humanity.

I belong to a strong community of women worldwide, known as Women For Women International.  I was unaware of this group when, in a conversation with my oldest daughter years ago, I expressed my wish that each woman who had a bountiful life could be paired with a struggling woman to whom she could offer assistance.  To my astonishment, Becki knew of this group!

Through Women For Women, you (male or female) can sponsor an individual woman survivor of war for a defined period of one year.  The program includes two-way correspondence with your sister (the organization translates all letters), and a modest monthly contribution is used for rights awareness training, job skills training, leadership education, and access to business skills.  Micro-loans help many women to establish small home-based businesses that allow them to keep their family together.

I have had the privilege of being a sister to four diferent women in Kosovo, three women in Bosnia, and one woman in Iraq.  Their letters are uplifing and humbling at the same time.  Each of them cannot believe that someone out there cares enough for them to invest in their life and their future.  None has ever described the horrors they have overcome, but I can guess.  They are generally so humbled and amazed by my small intervention that their words are few. 

I recommend this experience to everyone.  The organization is described at www.womenforwomen.org.

And I wish a very happy International Women's Day to all women.