Sharmila on Food

We interrupt this transmission…

Yes, a post not about food.  Who woulda thought it?

Anyway, I’ll keep it brief.  Many of you may be aware that today is International Women’s Day (8th March 2011), and also the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.  Now I think that’s something to celebrate.  And it’s also a time to get us thinking about all of the progress we still need to make whether it is on equal pay, or the staggering levels of death in childbirth that occur for so many women in the developing world.  There’s still a long way to go, and that is something we should always be mindful of.

I feel incredibly lucky and fortunate, as a woman, to have grown up in the circumstances I have.  The fact that I can write this blog, have my voice heard and not worry about the repurcussions is something that sadly, cannot be said for many women in the world.

There are many organisations out there doing brilliant work to help women across the world on a number of fronts.  One such organisation is Women for Women International, who do sterling work for female victims of war by helping them rebuild their lives, moving from a position of crisis and instability to one of security and self sufficiency.  I’m not going to go into great detail about all of the amazing things they do, but please take a look at their website http://www.womenforwomen.org/index.php. 

On April 3rd, I am going to don a pair of stupid looking running leggings, and take part in the Run for Congo Women 10k, which is organised by Women for Women International.  Democratic Republic of Congo has been torn apart by war, with women being significant victims.  Sexual violence and rape is a ubiquitous tool of war, and leaves women damaged, both physically and emotionally, in a way that I can’t even begin to comprehend.  By running this 10k, I hope to raise some money that can go towards helping female victims of war and sexual violence rebuild their lives.

I hope you’ll agree this is a very worthy cause.  If would like to donate some money to my running this 10k, I would seriously appreciate it.  You can donate here:

http://www.justgiving.com/Sharmila-Subramanian

Right, normal service resumed.