Posts by Darleen Lyons
International Day of Girl Child
International Day of the Girl Child is an annual and internationally recognized observance on October 11 that empowers girls and amplifies their voices. Like its adult version, International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, International Day of the Girl Child acknowledges the importance, power, and potential of adolescent girls by encouraging the opening up of…
Read MoreWorld Homeless Day
The last time a global survey of homelessness was attempted by the United Nations (in 2005), statistics showed that homelessness is on the rise. In fact, it was estimated that more than 100 million people worldwide are homeless, and at least 1.5 billion people lacked housing that was adequate. It is with this in mind…
Read MoreWorld Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is on October 10 and as our understanding of mental health grows, we grow along with it. Mental health has come a long way since the early nineties when the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) officially established the day. Our self-awareness and sensitivity towards it have changed things for the…
Read MoreLiteracy Day
Since 1967, September 8th, has been celebrated as International Literacy Day (ILD) annually around the world. It is to remind the public of the magnitude of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. Plus, to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. Even though there has been at lot…
Read MoreINTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY
Did you know that Harvard University organized the first American fundraising drive, which raised 500 pounds? This was in 1643, before America was an official country. We were still a colony of Great Britain. There is even written documentation that in 2500BC, a mandatory tax (or ‘tithe’) to benefit the poor was first instituted by…
Read MoreEquality Day 2021
A day in Women’s History – August 26, 1920 was the day in women’s history we need to acknowledge and always remember the 19th amendment was certified by Bainbridge Colby, the Secretary of State. It was 72 years after women’s suffrage started. 26 million women were granted the ability to vote. 9 million women voted…
Read MoreWorld Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day is celebrated on 19 August every year. 2021 is the twelfth year the humanitarian community has marked the day. This year, World Humanitarian Day is focused on the climate crisis. A global challenge for climate action in harmony with the people who need it most. This has become urgent as the world is…
Read More1929 Women’s Air Derby
August 18th, 1929 was the first day of the 1st Women’s Air Derby at Santa Monica Airport. Taking place at Clover Field, it was the first race for all women pilots. This transcontinental air race that began at Santa Monica Airport and ended 8 days later in Cleveland, Ohio. 20 women competed, yet only 15…
Read MoreInternational Youth Day 2021
International Youth Day is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The first International Youth Day was observed on August 12, 2000. The theme of International Youth Day 2021 is, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth…
Read MoreEnd Child Marriage
June 2021, Rhode Island passed a law to end child marriage under 18. This is great news! As of today, 5 states have ended child marriage, California isn’t one of them. The current law in California, established by SB273 and approved by the governor (Jerry Brown) in September 2018 and was effective in January 2019 includes…
Read More