Pro - Your Ability to Do What You Need to Do

L: Alice Paul (1885 – 1977), American suffragist, activist, and leader in the successful campaign for women's suffrage that resulted in the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920.
R:Contemporary American actress Hilary Swank (b 1974), portraying Alice Paul in Iron Jawed Angels, the excellent 2004 movie about the women's suffrage movement.

Favorite Quote
"You ask me to explain myself. I'm just wondering, what needs to be explained? It should be very clear. Look into your own heart — I swear to you, mine is no different. You want a place in the trades and professions where you can earn your bread; so do I. You want the means of self-expression, some way to satisfy your own personal ambitions; so do I. You want a voice in the government under which you live; so do I. What is there to explain?"

~ Alice Paul (as portrayed by Hilary Swank) ~
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More recent uplifting quote from
American performance artist
Miranda July (b 1974)
"What's confusing about [being a feminist]? It's just being pro-your ability to do what you need to do. It doesn't mean you don't love your boyfriend or whatever . . . When I say 'feminist,' I mean that in the most complex, interesting, exciting way."

To read more about Miranda July
To learn more about July's work
To see a beautiful original music video
in celebration of
International Women's Day ~ 8 March 2012
My personal mantra for the occasion:
TAKE BACK THE DAY!
Take Back the Night is a noble sentiment . . .
but first things first! Let's begin by making
it safe to walk around in broad daylight!

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P.S.
Thank you President Jimmy Carter!Jimmy Carter: "At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities. . . .
The truth is that male religious leaders have had -- and still have -- an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world."