“What separates an ordinary woman from an EXTRAORDINARY one? The belief that she is ordinary.”

Jody Williams (Nobel Peace Prize Winner)

Jody Williams went from teaching English as a second language to leading the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, a coalition whose goal was to abolish the production and use of anti-personnel mines. She won the 1997 Nobel Peach Prize then was one of the founders of The Nobel Women’s Initiative – six Nobel Peace Laureate women who together work to support women’s rights around the world.

Betty Friedan had an hour to kill between appointments so she stopped by the Ritz and ordered a whiskey sour. The bartender told her, “I’m sorry, I can’t serve you” and instructed her to go into the ladies’ lounge where she could have her drink. Women weren’t allowed to drink at the bar alone. She went on to write books and, per Wikipedia, is credited with sparking the “second wave” of feminism. Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women in 1966 which aimed to bring women “into the mainstream of American society in fully equal partnership with men.”

Thanks to EXTRAORDINARY women like Jody and Betty, today we celebrate International Women’s Day. In some countries, this holiday is celebrated by giving flowers and gifts to all women. In other countries, women gather to march, lunch, talk and listen. All over the world, women are challenging, celebrating and supporting each other.

Celebrate International Women’s Day! (It’s the beginning of the amazing and free WISH – Women’s International Summit for Health. Join in virtually – I am!)

And spend some time with your girlfriends today. Because … life really is better, together with your girlfriends!

p.s. See you on Girlfriendology! And visit us on Facebook.com/Girlfriendology and LinkedIn/Girlfriendology. Photo from Constant Contact.
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EXTRAORDINARY Gifts for EXTRAORDINARY Women

Friend Letter Necklace with Free Engraving- Tuck an engraved message in this sweet envelope necklace as a endearing reminder that you love your friend, that she’s amazing or to always be near her. The sterling silver note and envelope is sure be cherished by any friend or loved one.

Sparkling Toggle Bracelet with Free Engraving - Add some sparkle and shine to your girlfriend’s life with this stylish toggle bracelet embellished with a personal engraving.

Sweet Spring Day Bouquet – It’s Spring! Celebrate Spring and your friendship with this pretty mix of blooming flowers. In gentle, pastel shades is just the thing to show your friend how much you care. Floral artists arrange pretty blossoms such as spray roses, alstroemeria, cushion spray chyrsanthemums, carnations, and salal in a clear glass vase. Finished with a satin bow, the bouquet will add light and fragrance to any room.

Hang out with our girlfriends from Cooking with Caitlin for #FNI – Foodies Night In. (Mondays between 4-6pm EST) #FNI is a fun, foodie, weekly Twitter party with fun, foodie friends. Today we’re talking about the incredible, edible EGG. Just follow #FNI on Twitter and tweet along.

GIRLFRIEND GIFTS: Girlfriendology (perfume, jewelry and more), Amazon, SHOP.COM, American Express® GiftCards Sierra Trading Co.Uncommon Goods Crocs, Vera Bradley Chocolate.com and Expedia. Create your own cards (for business, holidays, etc.) at SendOutCards.

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For more daily inspiration, click on the orange tab to the left and sign up to receive your own copy, and check out this girlfriend inspiration:

• Daily Inspiration: Life is what you make it, plus friend inspired gifts
• Daily Inspiration: Thoughtfully Committed Girlfriends (making a difference int he world), plus gifts that make a difference too
• Daily Inspiration: One Reason Why you’re my Best Friend, and Best Friend girlfriend gifts

p.s. And … be a friend to Girlfriendology! Share some ‘Daily Girlfriendology Inspiration’ with your girlfriends by clicking the Facebook LIKE button below and also, when you’re on our Facebook page, SHARE IT WITH YOUR GIRLFRIENDS. (Please?!) Thanks girlfriend!

Tags: betty friedan, daily inspiration, extraordinary women, International Womens Day, jody williams, nobel peace

This entry was posted on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 11:08 am and is filed under Be a Better FRIEND, Newsletters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.