For those of you who may not know, today is International Women’s Day. As a woman, a Nicholas Kristof fan, and an advocate for women’s sexual and reproductive rights, I traveled across DC last Thursday to sit in a crowded auditorium (filled with a 95% women audience) to see the Half the Sky Live one-day event. This event was filmed at New York University, featuring celebrities who sang and spoke about their experiences in the developing world. Although some parts of it were gimmicky -- at least 3 times the celebrities repeated the same message about texting a number to join CARE, the sponsoring organization -- the one message which resonated with me was the story of Woineshet, an Ethiopian girl. Marisa Tomei, a famous actress, found Woineshet through Nicholas Kristof, and decided to make a documentary based on her story. I saw a short section of the documentary as a part of this viewing, but the presentation of this young girl’s story reminded me of why I became involved with these issues in the first place.

Woinoshet was kidnapped and raped at the age of 13. Her attacker was arrested, and released on bail. After he raped her again, she  continued refusing to marry him. She tried to go to a clinic far away from her village to get a medical examination to prove she was raped, but the doctor said she did not look like a “fresh virgin,” since her wounds were “old” and therefore, was unable to provide the medical evidence needed for her case.  In Ethiopia at that time, there was a law that stated there was no prosecution for men who raped women and later married them. She was forced to sign a paper marrying him, essentially freeing him from his jail sentence. Woineshet left the village and moved to Addis Ababa, and with strong support of her father and brother, has worked toward prosecution of her rapist, and solving the problem of rape all over Ethiopia. Her story and work has inspired women and men alike to think about the rights of women, and that women CAN stand up for their rights. Woineshet is still trying to resolve the case, as it has reached the Ethiopian high court, and is studying law, in hopes to defend women all over Ethiopia.

Woinoshet’s bravery sends a message to every woman who has ever felt as though she does not have equal power to a man. It reminds us of the global dynamic that women are still not seen as equals. However, the actions Woinoshet has taken remind us of the power we could have if we do indeed speak out against injustices.

Woinoshet’s story has been featured in The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A20835-2004Jun6.html), and several other prominent news sources. I recommend that this International Women’s Day, we pay tribute to women like Woinoshet, who devote their lives to women’s rights.