The word “feminist” seems to have fallen out of favor, in even the most egalitarian circles. If I had a quarter for every time I heard the phrase “Oh, I wouldn’t call myself a feminist, but…” I could probably subsidize some pretty cool charities.

But the term “feminist” is still good with me. I wrote a lot in the early days of this blog about the roots of my convictions–watching African women struggle to feed their families and care for their children in abusive, oppressive circumstances. These were not women who had the option of staying home dusting their perfectly decorated houses–these were women engaged in a day-to-day battle for their children’s survival, their circumstances made worse by their lack of economic or political clout, their lack of legal recourse for the many crimes committed against them.

The long and short of it is this: when women suffer, children suffer. When children suffer, the world suffers. Speaking out against the injustices women face, particularly in developing nations, and empowering women to improve their economic and political circumstances will make the world a better place for everyone, male and female.

That’s why I’m excited about the ONE campaign’s new Women ONE2ONE initiative. From their website: “The concept is simple. Join one million women to raise our voices and demand things we know will make a difference: putting kids in schools, enabling women entrepreneurs, allowing women to run for office.”

Here’s a video about the ONE2ONE initiative. Watch the video, then hop on over to ONE’s website to pledge your voice in support of legislation that supports and empowers women in developing nations–whether you call yourself a feminist or not. 🙂