Vidyamala’s online course, “Mindfulness for Women: Declutter Your Mind, Simplify Your Life, Find Time to ‘Be’,” starts on January 1. Enroll now!
In 2017, following Donald Trump’s inauguration, we witnessed an incredible uprising with the ‘Women’s March’ in Washington, along with many ‘Sister Marches’ around the globe, attracting millions of peaceful protesters.
Watching these gatherings unfold on the news brought me to tears. While social media can spread negative content like fake news and bullying, it can also promote wonderful causes, as seen with the Women’s Marches.
It all began with Teresa Shook from Hawaii. The night after Trump was elected, she posted on Facebook, suggesting a march. With responses trickling in, she created a private event page and invited some online friends before heading to bed. Overnight, her page exploded with interest after it was shared in groups like Pantsuit Nation.
“When I woke up, it had gone ballistic,” Shook said. Women from across the U.S. reached out and began organizing. Shook’s initial plea sparked the largest demonstration related to a presidential election.
This global phenomenon, fueled by social media, is truly something to celebrate. The remarkable women behind the Women’s Marches used the tools available to them, inspiring us never to be silent in the face of violence and injustice.
Women have made significant strides in the West over the past decades, but there’s still more to be done, and women in developing countries continue to face severe discrimination. In my book, ‘Mindfulness for Women,’ I highlight some alarming statistics.
Many are campaigning tirelessly for women’s rights, like Michelle Obama with ‘Let Girls Learn’ and Malala Yousafzai. While we might not match their brilliance, we all have a role to play using our voices however we can.
History shows that colossal changes come from countless small actions. The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and the suffragettes’ efforts to secure voting rights for women are prime examples. By 1918, suffragettes had succeeded in the UK, and today, women lead nations.
When asked how social change happens, Desmond Tutu explained it’s through connections that form coalitions, which then become movements. This is how apartheid was overcome.
We’re witnessing similar dynamics with movements like the ‘Women’s and Sister Marches’ worldwide. Let’s ensure we keep the momentum going.
Engage. Connect. Act. This is something truly worth celebrating. Let’s keep it up.
Learn more about Vidyamala’s online course, “Mindfulness for Women: Declutter Your Mind, Simplify Your Life, Find Time to ‘Be’,” starting January 1.