INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY! One Woman's Journey Can Make a HUGE difference

A blog by Jean M. Schmith

On International Women's Day, we honor the women in our lives--

Those who work in the home, those who work outside the home, those who are activists, caregivers, teachers, soldiers, entrepreneurs, government works, business people, nurses, doctors--and the list is endless--grandmothers, mothers, sisters, partners, and friends.  All women everywhere around the world--those from our culture, those from different cultures--all the women who make the world a better, safer place in which to live.  Let's honor the strength, courage, steadfastness, and nurturing nature of the women we know and know of.

Here is a brief look at just one woman who is working to change our world for the better.  I hope that every person on earth looks today, to the women in his or her life, and thanks and honors them in a special way.  Where would we be without them?  (Think about that one for awhile.)

Thursday, March 8th, 2018 is International Women’s Day. At The Enough Project, we focus on countries in East and Central Africa where women and girls are too often the victims of brutal and devastating violence. However, these women and girls are also at the forefront crucial initiatives pushing for peace, inclusion, and transparency in their respective countries.

Last month, we had the honor of featuring Darfuri activist and poet Emi Mahmoud at the Lemkin Summit to End Genocide and Mass Atrocities. To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, we are continuing to highlight and amplify her work.

Emtithal “Emi” Mahmoud is a Sudanese-American poet and author. Earlier this year, she embarked on a harrowing journey to walk across Sudan with the goal of inspiring peace, harmony, and connection in her increasingly fragmented country. Through this “One Girl Walk for Peace” Emi aimed to use poetry as a way to “approach collaboration in a way that evokes compassion and not discord; a way that inspires hope.”

Read more about Emi’s journey and take action to support her work.

Emi began her walk in January in El Fashir, Sudan and ended over 1,000 kilometers away in the capital of Khartoum in early February. Along the way, she collected “Dreams for Peace” from people around the world, including over 50 participants of the 2018 Lemkin Summit.

While Emi’s walk has ended, her goal of generating dreams for peace continues.

“In two weeks, we've completely challenged every conversation in Sudan. It is inspiring, terrifying, and absolutely necessary, and it all started through poetry. One voice can carry many, and I am counting on all of yours. So, please send us your #DreamsForPeace” #OneGirlWalk
- Emi Mahmoud (@EmiThePoet)

This International Women’s Day, demonstrate your support by sharing your own dream for peace on social media using the hashtag #DreamsforPeace. Click mahmoud to learn more.

Sincerely,
Marissa Sandgren
Advocacy Manager
Enough Project