Fair Feels Good

This year, March 8 marks the centennial anniversary of International Women’s Day. On this day one hundred years ago more than 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. Since then, International Women’s Day has remained a day for women raise their voices.

Last month The United Nations raised its voice to donors, calling for a massive $856 million to help women in crisis situations and war. This call for funds illustrates the sheer magnitude of the problem that UNICEF’s Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman, explains

“From Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Iraq, Zimbabwe and Sudan, children and women continue to bear the brunt of conflict, displacement and deteriorating conditions,” UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman

There have been more than 250 major wars since WWII, leaving millions of women displaced around the world. In modern-day warfare, women are targeted for ethnic cleansing, rape is used as a weapon to destroy communities, and women make up for at least 75% of the casualty rate.

Women today have a duty to contribute to programs that provide assistance and relief. One excellent program worth examining is that of Women For Women International, a courageous organization that reaches out to assist women in war-torn and post-conflict countries.

Their work is exceptional, as seen by inspirational videos and stories on their website. With a solid track record of rebuilding lives and communities, Women For Women offers a one-year program to sponsor a woman in a country of your choice.

The program is very personal, a deep connection is formed. Both parties get to know each other, letters are often exchanged, and friendships blossom. For $27 a month (and a $30 one-time administration fee), you can sponsor a woman in need to attend vocational training, feed her family and understand her rights.

This program is about more than money, its about creating a significant impact on both lives. After all, giving is the greatest gift.

The Procter and Gamble latest marketing campaigns to “use your period for good” and “have a happy period” has caused an eruption from women around the world, even described at “outright insulting”.

There have been numerous comments on these advertisements, including an article from The Red Tent Sisters (Canadian women dedicated to reproductive and sexual health needs of women) who comment:

I don’t have a problem with education and hopefully increasing openness about women’s reproductive and sexual health but I do have concerns about mainstream menstrual product companies doing it! First of all I’m not so sure that the job they’ve done in North America has been so stellar that they should be the ones running the education programs in Africa.

Understanding a campaign such as this is essential before writing emotional comments. P&G clearly states that it is not the driving force of the campaign, but rather it is helping to fund a United Nations Campaign called HERO.

HERO: A UNA-USA Campaign, in partnership with The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is an awareness building and fund raising initiative dedicated to providing comprehensive, school-based support to orphans and vulnerable children living in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa.

The HERO Campaign has many partners, including UNICEF, UNESCO and CARE International, that implement the project in target countries. The project includes the following chapters:

• Feeding
• Water and Sanitation
• Intrastruture
• Crisis Support
• Capacity Building
• Psycho-Social Support
• School Resources and Health

The HERO Campaign publicly shows its appreciation to the P&G partnership.

Hero is proud to announce the launch of the Protecting Futures Program. HERO in partnership with Procter and Gamble’s FemCare brands Tampax and Always have developed the Protecting Futures Program to help keep African girls in school.

P&G has donated UD$1.4 million to the project. Although all aid organizations have their problems, and many are subject to strong criticism, I don’t we can argue that the people involved in HERO have exceptional experience in making difficult lives a little bit easier.

The outrage projected towards P&G is misplaced. I do not support global conglomerates, but I will be buying Always and Tampax (above the Wal-mart sweatshop brands) and I urge you to do the same. After all, its about raising money for organizations that really help.

Sophea came to me one day at work to show me “the book” - a large encyclopedia her grandmother had given her on the eve of her marriage. Not understanding written Khmer, my only expression was a blank one. “Tammy,” she exclaimed, “its THE book, the important book for women!”

Sophea went on to explain that when a Cambodian women gets married, tradition and culture dictate that she behave in a certain way - and this was the book that explained it all. She was required to read it from cover to cover in order to be a good wife. And I would see her studying it at her desk for months to come.

The Book serves to train Cambodian women in their expected social roles. Like a celestial dancer, women are required to talk softly, walk lightly and be well-mannered at all times. It takes about two thousands pages to explain the rest!

Growing up, in Africa, we were taught the exact opposite - talk loudly or others will think you have secrets! Unable to control the level of my booming voice, I tried to tiptoe past Sophea and at least walk like a good Cambodian woman. As she progressed through the book page by page, I became more and more self-conscious of my big feet hammering up and down the stairs that linked our offices!

I remembered my big feet embarrassment when I was recommended this video on You Tube. Its a beautiful and heartwarming account of Cambodian dancers, their hands so delicate, like lotus flowers - enjoy!