healingwords: poetry for the soul

Today is International Women's Day and I am reposting a poem I wrote in 2018 when women all over Spain withdrew their labour in support of our rights. In the village we showed our support for the day of action by tying aprons to our balconies. Sadly there remains much to be done in the fight for equality and we need to remember everyday that women across the world still suffer discrimination in the home, at work, with pay and in society. Today we also honour all those who have given their time and energy to campaign for our rights. 

This poem is inspired by the women in Nepal who after generations of suffering from the monthly isolation of Chhaupadi are enacting the law prohibiting their nightly shutting away in Chhaupadi sheds during menstruation and actively tearing them down. The ending of this traditional practice is the result of campaigners fighting for Nepali  womens' right to safe and normal periods, in their own home with access to sanitary protection and healthcare. Freedom Kit Bags is a charity  providing such sanitary protection, along with education to end the practice of Chhaupadi and to educate Nepali men and women to respect and care for their reproductive health. This charity is doing important work to improve the lives of women and thereby families and whole communities and every donation is gratefully received towards this life changing work. Below is the link to the Freedom Kit Bag website where you can read more about the project and donate and a link to the news report on w...