International Day of Happiness - March 20

A profound shift in attitudes is underway all over the world. People are now recognizing that 'progress' should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy at all costs. All 193 United Nations member states have adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority and March 20 has been declared as the International Day of Happiness - a day to inspire action for a happier world.

Action for Happiness Cheers Positive News Secretary General's Message Take the Pledge UN International Day of Happiness

One Billion Rising

Raising Awareness about Violence against Women
Violence against women is an issue that crosses all ethnic, cultural, and class boundaries and it is our collective responsibility to see that such violent behaviors become socially unacceptable. In the words of novelist Ursula K. Le Guin, "Having intelligence, we must not act in ignorance. Having choice, we must not act without responsibility."

One Billion Rising Website
http://www.onebillionrising.org/

International movement created to raise awareness and stop violence against women.

One Billion Rising Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl2AO-7Vlzk&feature=player_embedded
A 3-minute film to raise awareness about violence against women (contains disturbing imagery).

"Break the Chain"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL5N8rSy4CU&feature=player_embedded
Music video of the One Billion Rising theme song.

Violence against Women
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/series/violence-against-women-1bn-rising
Excellent series of videos from The Guardian UK including celebrity endorsements.

March 8th is International Women's Day

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.
see http://internationalwomensday.com/

International Women's Day Resources
http://internationalwomensday.com/resources.asp
This series of videos focuses on women's history, the status of women,  violence against women, and the ongoing struggle for equal rights around the world.

"One Woman"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnq2QeCvwpw&feature=player_embedded#!
An inspiring music video from UN Women.