The year 2008 represents a historic and highly competitive crossroads for women in politics, sports, and structural economics. Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, which placed unique economic strains on working mothers and female-headed households, women drove some of the most dynamic shifts of the early 21st century. It was a year defined by the breaking of unprecedented campaign records, a massive display of dominance on the Olympic stage, and a crucial expansion of federal reproductive and employment protections.
A Historic Presidential Primary Race: Highlighting the historic U.S. Democratic presidential primary campaign of Hillary Clinton. By the time she concluded her run in June 2008, she had shattered all previous records for a female candidate, earning approximately 18 million votes and delivering her famous "18 million cracks in the highest glass ceiling" speech.
The Vice Presidential Spotlight: Tracking the swift re-engineering of the American conservative political landscape when Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was selected as the Republican vice-presidential nominee, becoming only the second woman in history to represent a major party on a U.S. presidential ticket.
Dominance at the Beijing Olympics: Chronicling an unforgettable summer of athletic triumph where women dominated international sports headlines. Gymnasts Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson captured the world's attention by taking the top two spots in the Olympic individual all-around competition, while Team USA Women’s Soccer rallied to capture the Olympic Gold medal.
The Fight Over Proposition 8 & Reproductive Rights: Documenting a year of fierce social mobilization surrounding civil rights and bodily autonomy, heavily marked by the public campaigns surrounding California's Proposition 8 and legislative battles over funding and systemic access to women's comprehensive healthcare clinics nationwide.
Overall in 2008, women reshaped political history as Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin broke executive barriers in the U.S. election, while Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar race.
On this day that celebrates women - Jeanne Bice invited
me to Pennsylvania to read her and some of her co-workers
Jeanne Bice (July 20, 1939 - June 10, 2011) was an entrepreneur, businesswoman and television personality. Bice was the founder of the Quacker Factory clothing line, which led to frequent appearances on QVC beginning in 1995.
Women are emerging in all aspects of society to bring healing, enlightenment, education, change, and spirituality to the evolution of humanity. Women are healthier in body, mind and soul, looking younger and feeling better about their role in the world. Older women are not retiring, but taking their place in the ranks of their younger sisters - which includes the women mentioned above.
Strong women are more receptive to recognizing inherited behavior patterns, seeking help and healing from western and alternative medicine. Women link with feminine energies, creative, and right brain consciousness. Women read books, the Internet, magazines, professional publications, and more. They write or journal as a catharsis of their internal boundaries that are giving way to higher purpose. Education and training are always the key. You come here to learn. You have nothing if you are not educated and well read, as all of reality is a learning experience. That is what you take away with you as experience concludes.
Women are moving beyond male abuse and indifference, to find their spirit and unlock its truths. Many women no longer feel they need a man to make them feel complete, while others are encoded to that end and forever seek "The One".
More women are exploring gay lifestyles vs. the old days when gay woman often remained without partners in fear of ridicule. Some women have male souls making them strong at times, but having soft, sensual qualities beneath the surface. In this day and age, a woman with a male soul, knows who she is, and can easily relate to what I am saying. Many of these women do not want children, have problems with female reproductive organs, remain free spirits traveling the world and experiencing the journey as if a visitor here.
Women want to work at something that fills their souls. Many manifest home based jobs, thus avoiding the pitfalls of the workplace. This month we honor all women no matter how big or small their contributions and accomplishments. Congratulations to all women in achieving their goals in this crazy world where everyone wants to make a difference.