MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

Yes, dear friends, it is that one day of the year when the focus is - or ought to be - entirely on the women of the world. There can be no denying that this one half of the human species has come a long way in the last 100 years... but there are still very many dark places for women. In all societies and at all levels within those societies.

In the Western world, whilst women still battle for equal rights and pay in employment, there are also many who live in daily fear of their partners. In the UK, the damage done by mental abuse has been recognised by law now, so domestic abuse of the emotional kind can now be monitored as well as any of the physical kind.

Then, in many places of the world, there are women having to deal with things most of us in our Western cocoon cannot even imagine. I would like to bring to your attention today, three organisations I consider worth your consideration for extending support to your unseen sisters.

My own choice for taking some action and putting my deeds where my words are is Women For Women. The simple act of sending a message can have an enormous emotional impact. We all know, do we not, that lift in our hearts when we reach out to each other, even when we have not met. That extension of Love across the ether means so much. This organisation's intent and practice appeal directly to my own ethos and thus will be supported by me.

Whilst W4W seeks to support women affected by conflict by providing empowerment education and building self-esteem, Peace Direct is an international charity dedicated to supporting local people to stop war and build lasting peace. Much more specific in its aim of promoting peaceful solution and quelling violence.

If this appeals more to your sensibilities, do please consider supporting them.

However, you may find greater appeal in supporting those in poverty to fend for themselves and be supported in times of violence or natural crises. More general charities include those like ActionAid UK. 

It is international, but I am sure you can do your own search for similar in your home countries.

Then, of course, there are sure to be local women's refuges and charities that you could seek out and provide some level of support. Let it not be for today only, however. Small and regular shows of support are generally much more effective. Thank you for turning your minds to these causes today. Do let me know if you have some favourite women's support groups!