I recently finished reading the book Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. The book tackles many issues relating to the oppression of women around the world including slavery, education, and maternal mortality. Kristof and WuDunn effectively present information in a blend factual data and true stories to create a powerful and moving book. They also provide advice on what we all can do to improve the status of women around the world. Here's a few of their suggestions:
- Donate to a grassroots project benefiting women through www.globalgiving.org or support microlending for women entrepreneurs through www.kiva.org. Microlending is an effective way to raise the status of women because it allows them to start their own businesses and thus increases their value to their community and family.
- "Sponsor a girl or woman through Plan International, Women for Women International, World Vision, or American Jewish World Service" (Kristof and Wudunn). These organizations use your monthly donation to support an individual in need.
- Subscribe to www.womensnews.org or www.worldpulse.com to get email updates about issues relating to women's rights.
- Join the Care Action Network to advocate for women's rights. Members learn and can communicate with their legislators about issues effecting women around the globe.
You can also visit http://www.halftheskymovement.org/ to learn more.
