When I was in my mid-teens, three ladies without makeup (gasp!), wearing camo and undainty boots, came to our school and gave a passionate talk. We were alarmed, but fascinated. They were WOMEN’S LIBBERS! And the ship started turning, yet horrendous exploitation of women across the world still exists, with a vengeance.

Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas Kristof in their book, “Half the Sky,” highlight the ongoing atrocities, but also illuminate the POWER of women. They say that “unleashing women’s potential is the key to economic progress and is also the best strategy for fighting poverty.”

I look forward to the day when all people, regardless of gender, are treasured and treated with respect.

Do you know a woman who could use encouragement today?