For far too long in history, women have been perceived as chattel, disposable and expendable. This past year we witnessed uprisings in the Middle East during their Arab Spring. Women often fought along side men to oust oppressive regimes. In Bahrain, however, women are still at risk of torture and rape. Yemen women played activists roles in toppling President Saleh, yet still fight vigorously to keep demands for their rights. Libyan women face a multitude of challenges in the face of change so that they may have access to education …

There are conflicting interpretations about what constitutes pornography. Perhaps we should consider how former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart defined obscenity, “…I know it when I see it.” The same can be said of pornography, whether it is soft porn or hard-core. And like it or not, it is pervasive on the Internet. Pornography has now become a complex and contributing factor to domestic violence. Today more and more abused women are reporting that their abuser regularly views pornography on the Internet.
Kay Card, Director of  Safe Harbor Women’s Shelter stated, …

Sisters, stand shoulder to shoulder and let us empower one another. Changes are occurring at rapid rates. We need to be involved and supportive of our sisters here and around the world. Take the risk to which Anais Nin referred, then help the world “blossom” for the good and betterment of all.