GBM celebrates International Women's Day

by Francesca de Gasparis
March 8, 2010 10:09am
On this International Women's day in 2010 we would like to borrow a quote from elsewhere on our website. It is from our founder, Wangari Maathai, of course- speaking a few years ago about the women of the Green Belt Movement. Here is to those women and women all around the world for their unsung hard work, patience and persistence- Women are the bedrock of our society.

“I placed my faith in the rural women of Kenya from the very beginning, and they have been key to the success of the Green Belt Movement. Through this very hands-on method of growing and planting trees, women have seen that they have real choices about whether they are going to sustain and restore the environment or destroy it.

In the process of education that takes place when someone joins the Green Belt Movement, women have become aware that planting trees or fighting to save forests from being chopped down is part of a larger mission to create a society that respects democracy, decency, adherence to the rule of law, human rights, and the rights of women.

Women also take on leadership roles, running nurseries, working with foresters, planning and implementing community-based projects for water harvesting and food security.

All of these experiences contribute to their developing more confidence in themselves and more power over the direction of their lives.”

Anna and I celebrated International Women's day in the Europe office of GBM with a lovely maple and pecan slice. Hope you all find a way no matter how small to celebrate the women- mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers and friends- in your lives today.

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In honor of International Women's Day, support GBM's work and help us empower women in Kenya and around the world!

Comments

  • 1.

    Comment by sarahcolin1 on March 15, 2010 6:18am:

    This is a really nice video. Very informative. Thanks for sharing!
  • 2.

    Comment by Liesch on May 5, 2010 7:35pm:

    Good informational video. Interesting to see with all the problems women face in such place as Africa they still have time to celebrate and try to do have a happier life. Also the contribution to Green Belt Movement is a honor since I'm pretty sure they are doing their best to help. Wonderful to see women taking on leadership roles, that could occur more often.
  • 3.

    Comment by miles2152 on May 13, 2010 10:54pm:

    Great video. Good to see Africa celebrating women. Seeing women in Africa empowered like this will hopefully spell bright things for their future.
  • 4.

    Comment by Balearic Music on May 20, 2010 6:57pm:

    This is a brilliant movement ranging right across the issues that affect the planet right now as well as the disadvantaged in every corner of the globe. I stumbled across the site from this post as I am researching International Womens Day - and this video encapsulates exactly what it exists to do.
  • 5.

    Comment by Balearic Music on May 20, 2010 7:02pm:

    Sorry - I meant to add that I'll be adding this particular project into my dissertation.

    Thanks again.
  • 6.

    Comment by Tim Sewell on September 10, 2010 6:01am:

    "... women have become aware that planting trees or fighting to save forests from being chopped down is part of a larger mission to create a society that respects democracy, decency, adherence to the rule of law, human rights, and the rights of women."
    I agree with this with all my heart. Although saving trees from being destroyed seems like a "uncommon" way of fighting for women rights. But if one looks at from saved natural environment, it actually is a great initiative.
    Respect for women in Kenya !! :)
  • 7.

    Comment by Gregory21 on September 10, 2010 6:58am:

    Women are everything. Their condition should be uplifted to protect their rights and freedom. Seeing the above video has brought tears in my eyes. Just watch how they are smiling hiding their all sorrows and pains. They are the real source of inspiration.
    Alat Fitness

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