Today, March 8, is International Women's Day. Read a blog post by the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations about how the United Nations is recognizing International Women's Day.
The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program sent the following action alert with a fitting call to protect women's health on International Women's Day:
Remember that story from Luke when Jesus heals the crippled woman? Today women across the globe are suffering from health conditions linked to toxic chemicals in the air they breathe, water they drink, and even consumer products in their homes. Our prophetic witness can protect women across the globe from toxic chemicals.
Learn how and lift up your voice here.
Everyday we here of communities of women who experience the negative impacts of toxic chemicals. Women in Mossville, Louisiana, who live by PVC (vinyl) plants suffer from endometriosis and miscarriages. Arctic women who live far from chemical plants have some of the most concentrated and varied chemical contaminants in their breast milk because some chemicals are carried by wind and water currents to the North Pole.
March 8th is International Women’s Day and March is also Women's History Month. We can prevent suffering for women across the world. Our current chemical policy fails to ensure chemicals are safe or to remove dangerous chemicals in baby bottles, furniture, or even shampoo. By updating our policy, we can remove the most harmful chemicals and ensure chemicals are safe for women everywhere.
Ask Congress to ensure that chemicals are safe before they end up in products we use, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and our bodies. Send your message of hope.
Many blessings,
Chloe Schwabe, NCC Eco-Justice Program
“And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are set free from your ailment.’ When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God”
Luke 12:10-13
PS: Join us for Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, DC to learn more about environmental health.