from the exhibit, Phoenix Science Center

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” – Leonardo DaVinci

International Women’s Day has, as the saying goes, been and went. Where was I? Traveling. To Phoenix. And visiting the incredible DaVinci exhibit at the Phoenix Science Center. Where I read and copied his quote, above. Which reminded me of the recent International Women’s Day, how across the globe and across our own nation multiple events were held to celebrate women. In fact, according to the official site, some 256 events were held across the US alone in honor of the day.

Sifting through the 26 pages of listings, I learned that the events covered the spectrum from celebrations of the goddess to farm women, from politics to the very personal, from the disabled to the business-savvy and beyond. They included face-to-face dances, fundraisers, awareness campaigns, on-line forums and meet-ups, flashmobs, workshops and networking events. What all these events had in common was at the heart of DaVinci’s words: “WE MUST DO”. So what I am doing is creating a found poem from the titles of a handful of the events and activities in tribute to the many women worldwide who are striving to make change, to make a difference to local communities, global systems, young girls, the ill and the ordinary.

WOMEN ON THE VERGE CELEBRATE WOMEN
WHO WOW

Women’s empowerment, strategies for change —
international women in leadership changing
the landscape to drive business; inspirational
women as change agents, making global progress.
Accessing energy for women’s health and security,
preventing and mitigating conflict. Stopping violence
against women everywhere, ending misogyny;
women at risk celebrating survival, celebrating
love and respect toward women with disabilities, walking
for Afghan women’s lives.

Empowering women changing lives:
honoring women ambassadors,
gender in agriculture, women
putting food on the table,
celebrating goddesses.

Screening and discussing movies,
celebrating speech and women artists
aware of action; reading poetry,
chatting on twitter, a flashmob
for peace – local women making
an international impact, women and the social media
impacting the world.

Women and their spiritual paths
dare to dream, get to know
their mother-daughter herstory.
Self-confidence, pride and beauty
make the avenue work. Leaders.
Clients. Women, the emerging market.

swb