Sisterhood Rising
It’s happening. Women are coming together and rising!
The U.S. Presidential election sparked a call to action for women to gather in Washington on January 21st, the day after the inauguration. This isn’t an anti Trump protest but rather a first step in a larger movement for women to come together to protect and advance our human rights. The statement on the website reads:
We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families – recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.
Contrary to what it may look like, I’m confident that we are seeing the end of the patriarchy, a paradigm that has served us well for almost 6000 years. It’s now clear that the imbalances it creates is not sustainable. When an outdated paradigm shows up in such an extreme form, as it has with the recent U.S. presidential election, it gives us a boundary that we can push up against and say ’no’ this isn’t ok. The sexism and racism, that came out of the shadows and took center stage in the recent election, are a reminder of those who are still not able to claim their rightful place, as equals in this country.
As frustrating as this may be, I’m feeling strangely hopeful, as this event has been the impetus for women to gather and take a stand for justice and human rights and to be the protectors of life that we are innately called to be. The number of women who are coming together for the Women’s March on Washington is inspiring and growing daily. It could end up being the largest mobilisation of humanity ever. There are now about 200 Sister Marches planned across the country (this changes daily so check out https://www.womensmarch.com/sisters to find the city nearest you). California has the largest number, with 25 cities and Florida 14. There are approximately 50 international Sister Marches planned in 28 countries, with Canada having the largest number, 11 cities.
Showing up for this initial event, either in DC or at a Sister City March demonstrates our solidarity as women and is a commitment to the movement going forward. It will make a statement that women and allies are willing to show up and stand up for their needs and rights under any administration. Women carry the weight of our communities on our backs and those who participate will be able to bring this inspiration back to their communities.
One of the tweets from The Women’s March is “We want to work together, to be collaborative, to unite.” “We want to talk about how we continue to work together, even after the march.” In many ways, this is aligned with the original intent for The Woman’s Network. We want to create a space where we can come together, to share, heal and feel empowered. We are delighted to support the movement and encourage you to visit The Women’s March website (www.womensmarch.com)
For so long we have been divided as a sisterhood in the Western world. We have been extremely busy, staying focused and devoted to our husbands, families, careers, communities, etc. With so much on our plates it is easy to see how we could sometimes become apathetic or complacent when it came to being an active citizen, hoping that others would take care of things for us. I know I have been guilty of this! I feel like the recent events is a reminder of my responsibility to be an engaged citizen, taking a stand for what I believe in.
How can you stay informed?
- Listen to and share the recording of last week’s call about the organisation of the march
- Find all logistical information about the march in DC and those taking place in sister cities on the Women’s March website.
- Receive up-to-date information about the march by signing up for the Women’s March newsletter.
- Connect with the march on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Connect with The Woman’s Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewomansnetworkTWN/
How can you support the movement?
- Share accurate information from the Women’s March website with your networks
- Support the Women’s March as they work to ensure that the event is safe, accessible, and effective
- Note: If you’d like to donate $5,000 or more, email linda@womensmarch.com.
- Register for the march in DC
- Participate in a march in a sister city
I love Rebecca Campbell’s book Rise Sister Rise, and find that it is a fabulous guide for the times we are in. Here is the Prayer For Her Rising from the book:
“As we shake off the shackles of the past, may we create a whole new archetype for women in these awakening times.
As we reclaim our voices, may we find the strength to speak for those who do not have one.
As we surrender to our cyclic nature may we be strengthened by the effortless rhythm of the Earth.
As we honor our bodies, may we be reconnected with the ancient wisdom that lies within.
As we remember the sacredness of our womanhood may we step into the potency of who we came here to be.
As we let go of mistrust and past hurts, may we mend the severing sisterhood and remember that there is more than enough room for us all to rise.
And so it is. And so it is. And so it is.”
Here’s to our sisterhood uniting and rising in the year ahead!
Hugs and love,
Storykeeper: Lois Shannon
Lois is the Founding Mother of The Woman’s Network. She has been on an intensive path of self discovery in an attempt to understand and embody what it means to be a woman in the 21st century. After feeling a deep disconnection with herself and the world around her, Lois reconnected by remembering and reclaiming her worth through an active Mindfulness practice and by sharing in a community of women. She then began running her own women’s groups to facilitate honest, open communication and saw amazing results. The Woman’s Network (TWN) was born from these gatherings and a desire to collectively heal the imbalance that is experienced internally within the hearts of many woman.
Lois is trained in facilitating Trauma Constellations and teaching Mindfulness, with experience in Somatic Bodywork and Five Rhythm Dance. Lois has worn many hats over her lifetime giving her unique insight into the many roles we play as women. She had a successful business career, including being highlighted in the Wall Street Journal in 1999 as one of the top 30 Business Women in Europe. She held senior management positions at Bain & Company, Apple Computer Europe and Russell Reynolds Associates in London before becoming a full time mother living in the South of France. After almost 20 years in Europe, she now lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and three teenage children.
