It's my birthday and I'll beg if I want to...

Yes, today is my birthday.  A big one, too.  FIFTY! I may not much like the idea of being fifty, but I do love the life I have at fifty.  In particular, I love the women in my life who give me so much of what I value most deeply in life - love, support, laughter, challenge, connection.

Perhaps because I so appreciate the women in my life, I am a big fan and supporter of the Global Fund for Women. It is s a nonprofit grantmaking foundation that advances women's human rights worldwide. It is a network of women (count me among them!) and men who believe that ensuring women's full equality and participation in society is one of the most effective ways to build a just, peaceful and sustainable world. The Fund raises money from a variety of sources and make grants to women-led organizations that promote the economic security, health, safety, education and leadership of women and girls.

This is a short (2 minutes) introduction to the Fund. It made me cry.

This is a longer video that was shown at the Fund's 20th Anniversary gala. It is about ten minutes and worth every second of your time:

I hope you will watch these videos and be inspired to lend your support to the Fund because I believe with all my heart and mind that, as they say, "the future of the world depends on the freedom of women."

If you've ever gotten anything from reading The End of Motherhood? - a laugh, an idea, a sense of companionship on this road we travel together, please consider giving something to the Fund.  Any amount, no matter how small or large, will be equally appreciated.  You can DONATE HERE.

With thanks from the birthday girl, uh, woman.