Happy National Women's Day!

My whole life I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing women. I’m also very lucky that I live in a country where women have amazing jobs, stunning careers, fabulous heels and killer apartments/houses/homes. However, today is different. Today, I am lucky enough to be in a country other than my own that celebrates women in a way that the US has yet to do. Today in Rwanda is National Women’s Day. Schools, banks and most offices are closed for the day in honor of the holiday and celebrations are taking place all over the city.

It’s truly eye-opening to be in a country where so many things lag behind my home –access to deodorant for example – but continues to be so progressive in a multitude of ways; particularly for women. This country dedicates a National Holiday to women; which probably has something to do with the fact that they have the most women legislators in any government in the world. It’s not a holiday Hallmark made up and there aren’t any greeting cards for it, but there is this recognition that Rwanda’s government and its people will give one day to honor women. Now, perhaps some of you are thinking – one day? One little day? America dedicates national holidays to Veteran’s, dead Presidents, etc – but nothing is dedicated to women. Nothing is even dedicated to one woman – MLK gets a day, but nothing for Rosa Parks?

Women of America (and the amazing men on this email list) we should be a little pissed off. I’ve never appreciated America more than I have after being in a foreign country – but come on, let’s do something for the women that make our country amazing. Start talking about it, blogging about it and bothering people about it. A bunch of old, dead guys (not belittling their value in any way) have National holidays so why not one for every woman? Considering the current state of things, perhaps the bankers and legislators need another day off anyway!

So – in the meantime – here’s a toast to you ladies. Even if America won't recognize us as the backbone to our country– I will do my own dedication. Here’s to the ladies that have mentored me. Here’s to the ladies that have held my hand through career moves, tough choices and vibrant triumphs. Here’s to Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton. Here’s to Margaret Thatcher. Here’s to my mom and here’s to all the moms. Here's to the women of my first job who taught me everything I know about being fabulous. Here’s to all the women that live somewhere other than Rwanda and don’t think their progress and lives are valued. The ladies of my volunteer program will be saluting you all today, by way of many Primus(es) and many laughs.


-nicole