Happy International Women’s Day!
It should be, and is, for many.
But it’s not, for far too many others.
We read Malala’s Magic Pencil this morning. About how she wove magic, achieved the unimaginable. With her words.
How words have power.
There is an audible gasp in the classroom when I tap the statistic that 130,000,000 young girls are unable to attend school.
This is unthinkable, for these kids. Unconscionable, for me.
But sad simple reality, for so many more.
A colleague adds that since COVID, these numbers are on the grow.
In the face of these official ‘days’, ‘months’, and various campaigns that so often act as bandaid, performative and toothless, I’m reminded of Cornel West’s clarity:
Now I have nothing against philanthropy. I just don’t confuse charity with justice.
And, so, again this year, with justice in mind and an eye on a world where we don’t need reminders
I raise a glass to the moms, grannies, aunties, sisters, partners, friends, teachers, and girls
Who weave magic, every day.
Get Up Eight 
What a beautiful post and ode to women.
I hadn’t heard of Cornel’s West quote – thank you for informing me. I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiments.
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Your slice is a beautiful ode to women.
I hadn’t heard of Cornel West’s quote before.
I wholeheartedly agree with it.
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Thank you Radutti, for the reminder of the reality on the ground. We all have ,”A charge to keep.” I’ll keep looking around me to see how I can help any which way.
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Somehow all these days have not really impressed me. I have not really understood why we need these days. I liked your post.
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Thanks for this post on IWD. It is succinct and fully on point. I appreciate the way that you’ve taken us from your classroom to the wider world in just a few lines and perfectly illustrated how even the best intended celebrations must lead us to do more than raise a glass.
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The respect goes both ways. Thank you.
” I don’t confuse charity with justice” is such a powerful quote… lets hope more people think that way too.
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I love how this piece ends- what a powerful ending and message you have to share! Thank you!
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