We're Number One! We're Number One!...Oh, Wait. No we're not....

Did you know that in a recent study of gender equality, the U.S. ranked 27th?

http://www.forbes.com/2008/11/11/best-countries-women-lead-cx_mk_1112gender.html

Twenty-seventh. This means there are 26 nations that got a better rating than we did.

In the next 60 seconds, how many countries can you name? No cheating, try it from memory (put your kid's globe back on the shelf)!.....Did you get 26 different countries? I didn't. Sad to say, I have to stop and think after I hit about 15. That means there are at least ten countries with greater gender equality standards and lifestyles than I can even easily remember.

Now that is a sobering reality! Sometimes we forget to look in our own backyard for the problems and the solutions. We think globally and in so doing, we forget there is work to do at home.

Recently, I learned a little something about myself. If I am involved in a global effort that is also a personal effort, my daily awareness is higher. So I have taken an extra step. Rather than just donating financially to aid organizations, I have signed up to support a specific woman through Women for Women International. I haven't been matched to a sister yet, that should happen in the next couple of weeks.

What fascinates me, is that the woman who receives my support will know who I am. She will get my letters (hopefully). She will receive my financial aid. We will know each other. I have considered doing this for months but held off. I kept wondering, do I want that kind of commitment? Do I have time for it?

Then it hit me. If I have time to read about the staggering reality of women in Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo...I have time to write a letter. What I was really afraid of, is that it wouldn't make a difference. That my time, money, and effort would disappear into the abyss of oppression.

And then it hit me harder. That is exactly why this oppression still exists. Women like me who have a few resources are afraid of wasting the resources so we hang onto them. Women in the Congo and Afghanistan would die for what I squander on my occasional soy hazelnut latte at Starbuck's.

Today is a beautiful, sunny day. Today I choose to live with my eyes wide open.
T.