A song dedicated to women around the world will hit the airwaves come March 8. The message: We shall shine!
The music, ”One Woman,” is a collaboration of 25 artists from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe. It is a song for U.N. Women, whose role is to help empower women and girls by championing gender equality and advocating against gender discrimination, which sadly is still happening in many parts of the world.
The organization was born out of a merger of four U.N divisions focused on the advancement of women. It provides grants to government agencies and civil society groups via the Fund for Gender Equality and the U.N. Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, as well as technical assistance to governments and nongovernmental organizations, helping put in place policies or laws needed to advance gender equality.
The song’s launch on Friday coincides with the celebration of International Women’s Day, whose theme this year centers on ending violence against women. Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo and international recording artist Charice, who rose to fame via YouTube, were among the 25 artists who took part in the song.
“One Woman” was first performed at the launch of U.N. Women in 2011 at the U.N. General Assembly Hall. It was inspired by the stories of women who have overcome challenges — from Kigali in Rwanda to Lahor in Pakistan.
“‘One Woman’ gives us a message of hope and inspiration,” U.N. Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet said, adding that it “reminds us that equality, human rights and human dignity are the birthright of all of us, every human being.”
Beth Blatt, who wrote the song’s lyrics, hopes the song would move people to be involved and support the mission of U.N. Women – “whether by buying the song or making a donation.” The agency is largely funded by voluntary contributions.
The track will be accompanied by a music video featuring the 25 artists and footages of various women from around the world. Here’s an excerpt from the song:
We are one woman You cry and I hear you We are one woman You hurt and I hurt too You are one woman Your hopes are mine, and we shall shine
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About the author
Jenny Lei Ravelo@JennyLeiRavelo
Jenny Lei Ravelo is a Devex Senior Reporter based in Manila. She covers global health, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization, and other development and humanitarian aid trends in Asia Pacific. Prior to Devex, she wrote for ABS-CBN, one of the largest broadcasting networks in the Philippines, and was a copy editor for various international scientific journals. She received her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
