International Corporate Philanthropy Day: February 23, 2010

Yesterday was International Corporate Philanthropy Day and the United Nations Economic and Social Council chose it to focus on women’s rights and equality amongst women and men. Fundamental to this are two key areas – expanding economic opportunity and ending violence against women. The corporate and philanthropic sectors were urged to promote women at all levels. Sarah Ferguson announced a new initiative called “the Mother’s Army” to “harness the collective power of mothers to enable girls to dare to dream.” What a wonderful thought which really resonates with me as a mother to two girls. It is by our example that girls will learn to lead and dream. We need to take care of our own wellbeing in addition to our children’s. Supporting programs that support this message, this call to action, is critical.