DEAR FRIENDS,
International Women’s Day has come and gone.  Should we care?   How many of us even know its meaning? 
In the early 1900’s, in developed countries, the use of machinery in factories was on the rise; more women were entering the workforce.  Working conditions were dreadful; wages poor.  Women were not allowed to vote – they had no say in decisions, no voice about the state of affairs at work or elsewhere.
Then, on the last Sunday of February, 1908, groups of American women held the first Women’s Day.  They demanded their right to vote, and spoke up about their struggle for equality, justice and peace. They called for the right to hold public office; to have vocational training; for an end to discrimination on the job. 
In several countries after that, Women’s Day was celebrated on different dates.  Eventually, March 8 became recognised as Women’s Day internationally. 
It is the day we remember the courage of those women long ago, fighting for their rights.  On this day, we focus on the achievements of women.  Women groups also discuss changes that should be made to help women worldwide.
Some of the issues they discuss include sexual slavery; women’s right to be educated – in some countries, girls and women are beaten or killed if they are caught studying.  Women’s groups also discuss what must be done to help women and children struggling to stay safe in camps during wars, after earthquakes and floods.
What does this mean for Guyanese women?  Should we celebrate?  Are we any better off now than in the past?  Today, we are doctors, lawyers, writers, surgeons, businesswomen, more.
However, there is still work to be done.  We must remember the struggles of our grandmothers and mothers for better lives; we cannot let that go in vain.  As women, we must support each other; we must strive to make positive changes in our personal and communal lives instead of seeing each other as competition for men.  Can we do it? 
What do you think?   Write to the Chronicle or email savannahwomenscircle@gmail.com.

CRAFTY LADY.
Make a pillow-case by hand (continued from last week).

Have you started your pillow-case project?  If not, check Women’s Circle, March 12, on how to begin.  After you’ve stitched the inside of the pillow-case, continue here:

Remove pins.  Turn over pillow-case.  Press edges flat.  Pin together front and back of the pillow-case, to hold in place.

From the edge, measure half centimetre around the three stitched down sides.  Mark places lightly with your pencil.  Thread the needle with two strands of one embroidery colour.  Sew small running stitches along the half centimetre border.

From the embroidery, mark off half a centimetre with your pencil.  Thread needle with two strands of the other embroidery colour.  Sew small running stitches.
Next week: hemming the pillow-case.

EARTH WOMAN.
Growing fresh air.
Some might deny that our indoor spaces are contaminated.  It is a foreign problem, they believe.  But sadly, synthetic products are everywhere, releasing hundreds of chemicals in enclosed, air-conditioned buildings, and even in homes without air-conditioners, when we lock our windows.  These chemicals can cause allergies, headaches, nausea and cancer.

Fortunately, there is hope.  In 1984, the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) published a study on this.

In an experiment, NASA had built a Biohome with plastic, fibreglass and thermal insulation.  Thanks to the chemicals in these materials, people felt sick when they entered this home.  

The Biohome was sealed; equipment was used to test the air.  Next, plants and a small filter (which could do the work of fifteen plants) were placed inside.  Later, when the Biohome was tested, most of the chemicals were gone.  No-one experienced any sick feeling in the Biohome. 

What NASA discovered was amazing.  Plants can remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide from buildings. 
NASA ended the report by saying that we would obviously experience problems if we locked ourselves away from nature.  Even if we did not live in tightly closed buildings with synthetic materials, our waste products would cause indoor pollution.  We depend on plants for our well-being.
The man who headed these studies, Dr. B.C. Wolverton, wrote a book – How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office.  The book describes how plants work to remove chemicals and produce fresh air for us.  The book has been translated into several languages and persons who have followed its advice have benefitted greatly.
Those who wish to deny the usefulness of plants in offices and homes should try disproving NASA’s studies; try telling the hundreds of people who have benefitted from growing fresh air.
Next week: how plants work…

HOW TO…
…Control PMS with food (continued from last week).
Have you started eating right to beat those pre-menstrual symptoms?  Every day, have a well-balanced diet with dairy products, grains, fruits, vegetables and protein.  They are rich in vitamins and minerals that help control PMS.
* Potassium eases water retention; a lack of it can cause muscle cramping.  Get potassium from bananas, plantain, papaya and coconut water.
* Vitamin B6 boosts dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good after you’ve exercised.  Some doctors say it improves the health of your nervous system.  B6 is in channa, salmon, chicken breast, oatmeal, bananas, fish, eggs, carrots and potatoes. 
* Vitamin E may help reduce headache and breast tenderness.  Get your E’s from nuts and leafy green vegetables.
To beat PMS food cravings, eat several small, healthy meals instead of three big meals the week the craving begins.  This keeps your blood sugar level stable – the swing makes your symptoms worse.
Eat yam, sweet potatoes and eddoes, the good carbohydrates, high in fibre.  The carbohydrate will boost your serotonin level (which makes you feel good); the high fibre will fill you. 
Take a multivitamin with folic acid and supplements for women.
Remember – stay away from caffeine during PMS time.  Chamomile tea is good; it soothes anxiety and irritability, and relaxes you.

BEAUTIFUL YOU…INSIDE & OUT.
Confidence – inside and out.
There are many setbacks that can bring even a strong woman down.  Nevertheless, you can build confidence despite life’s stumbling blocks.

Begin from the inside, continue outward, with the way you portray yourself.  Because, how you think about yourself does show – what people see is usually the result of what you have created in your mind.  Try these tips to get going.

Read motivational books.  Ask family overseas to send you The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vi
ncent Peale, and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Know your goals and dreams.  Work towards them but do not obsess about them.  Obsessing about what you do not have makes you dissatisfied, and this makes you feel bad.  Think also about what you do have; appreciate them.

See the good in others.  When you feel badly about yourself, you see the worst in others.  You get involved in malicious gossip, you backstab.  Break this habit.  Look for the good in others.  Compliment them.  They will appreciate your kind words, and this can make you feel good about yourself.

Give.  Work towards personal goals but set aside time to contribute to your community.  Others will see you in a positive light, which in turn will help you see yourself as a better person.

Next week: working on the outside to build confidence.
Enjoy the rest of your week, ladies.  Be good to yourselves, take care of you.