Half The Sky and charities.

[messyisthenewtidy]

I've just finished reading "Half the Sky" which was pretty harrowing but made me determined to get off my lazy arse and actually "do" some feminism rather than just talk about it, which is my usual style.

So I was wondering if anyone else who had read the book and had gotten involved in any of the organisations listed at the end could give me any guidance on which ones would be good to look into. Ta!

[Zhx3]

I started microfinancing women using //www.kiva.org. I also started volunteering at my local rape support centre. All thanks to Half the Sky and the Mumsnet FWR forum .

[messyisthenewtidy]

Thanks Zhx. Am having a look now.

[runningaftertops]

I might have a look into kiva too. I've recently finished Half the Sky and it does make you want to do something.

Closer to home I second volunteering or donating to local charities. I'm hoping to support a local DV charity and hopefully will be joining a supporters group with them over next wekk or two.

[messyisthenewtidy]

It's just I'm feeling a bit useless at the mo, cos I'm always moaning about the inequalities in the West. Which isn't to say they're not important but when I read that book I felt ashamed at my whinging and was like "Come on Messy, pull your finger out" IYSWIM

Had a look at the fistula website too, which looked good. The fistula problem seems so tragic because of the shame that lives with the women afterwards plus the total lack of support they seem to get from their families (one husband even tried to stab his wife because she had it)

Tbh I can't decide which area is the most important because they all seem dire.

[runningaftertops]

Exactly what my thoughts were as well! Was thinking about starting a thread asking people what they do wrt activisim. I guess I'm only just becoming aware of the enormity of some of the issues and it's hard to know where to focus attention (and not get too down as well).

MAybe we need an activists' paddling pool type thread!

[Zhx3]

One other thing that I've done is to make care packages for Unseen UK, which works with victims of human trafficking.