Justice to me looks like every woman on this planet gets to choose if, when, where, how and with whom she gives birth…that every girl and woman gets all of the information and support she needs in order to makes those life decisions. And that each society and community supports their childbearing women and mothers, and also their midwives…especially those midwives who put themselves on the line to provide safe care for women at home and in birth centers, and to give them family planning information. and help finding contraception.
That’s where it all begins, because if women have this freedom and power, we have already seen they will
1) limit their family size,
2) make sure their daughters get an education,
3) do whatever they must to see their children are safe and well-fed and
4) reach out andl help other women empower themselves.
And that’s just the start of it all. Women will insist upon fare wages, safe living conditions, full paid “maternity leave”, and respect for the work they do as mothers (if they choose to be mothers!)
I’ve seen it happen. When women have great experiences being pregnant (by choice) and giving birth and breastfeeding… and when men honor women for this uniquely female work, then they find the inner strength to demonstrate, to engage politically, and to create communities of men and women working to meet each of the huge challenges that face all of humanity and this earth: global warming, ending dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, toxins in our environment, and the domination of people by big corporations.
Power to everyone who is part of One Billion Rising!
Suzanne Arms, Grandmother, mother, founder of BirthingTheFuture charity in Colorado, USA
That’s what justice looks like to me…transforming birth and the entire “primal period” – which starts at pre-conception and continues to a baby’s 1st birthday. I will be out in the street dancing, singing and not only on February 14th. Sending Love and Courage to my sisters across the world, Suzanne Arms – Bayfield, Colorado, USA. Birthingthefuture.org
