Thursday, November 25, 2010

Sisters, Thanks, and Giving

While today in the United States we celebrate the awesomeness of Thanksgiving, as a Dominican woman I am honored to celebrate just a little bit more. November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The date has been marked since 1981; birthed from the brutal assassination in 1960 of the three Mirabal sisters, on orders of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. These brave women, Minerva, Patria & Maria Teresa, served as political activists in the Dominican Republic, at a time when, not only women, but the people had no voice.


So today I am thankful for their courage and sacrifice. I am thankful they broke the mold of conformity and stood unconditionally for the better good of others. I am thankful they paved the way for the women of the many generations that have followed to have the opportunity to become leaders and world changers.

As we remember these brave women and celebrate a day of thanks, be encouraged to give today. Give a smile. Give a hug. Say a kind word.

If you are a first time reader of our blog, Home of Change is a nonprofit organization fighting human trafficking through education and leadership implementation in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Visit our website for more information.