Must Read

Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people. George Bernard Shaw

It's been a couple days since I last posted a blog...I was traveling on business, but had the opportunity to finally finish Half The Sky by Nicholos Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. I've mentioned excerpts of the book in previous postings, but after finishing the book, it became clear there are common themes surrounding the solutions to sex trafficking, rape as a weapon of war, maternal health issues and gender inequality. Takeaways from all the solutions boiled down to 2 main themes:

1. Empowering women begins with education.
2. The most effective change agents on the ground aren't foreigners, but local women. Grassroots efforts work (GVN has been supporting local community projects for almost 10 years! Go GVN!).

I've said it before, but I'll say it again -- if you are looking for a gritty, challenging and honest portrayal of the oppression of women today, and the change agents taking on the issues, this is a must read. The most fascinating parts of the book showed examples of resourceful and courageous individuals who pushed the line, and risked their own life to better the life of other women. These women were not considered "reasonable" by the society around them, so they resorted to "unreasonable" behavior to break free of oppression, and move the dial forward for women's rights, equality, safety and rehabilitation.

What a great honor to be working with GVNF to support these hero's amongst us.

p.s. Don't forget to check out our new donation portal to support the Anti-Trafficking Fund. Funds raised will go towards grassroots efforts in the field, and support those change agents amongst us.

http://www.gvnfoundation.org/programs/antitrafficking/