Top 5 Events Worldwide:

“Women have plans for themselves, for their children, about their home, the meals. They have a Vision.” –Professor Muhammad Yunus

March 8, 2012 commemorated the 101^st anniversary of International Women’s Day. Women and supporters all around the world gathered at hundreds of events to celebrate the achievements and inspire women.  At the heart of microfinance lies female empowerment. Grameen America is proud to support women entrepreneurs in the United States who are working hard to create a better tomorrow for themselves, their families and their communities. Listed below are our top 5 International Women’s Day events which inspire us to think globally and act locally.

                                                                                                                                                     [Source Getty]

Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton attend the annual 2012 International Women of Courage Awards that recognizes risk-taking women around the world who have led the way advocating for women's rights.

Indian car designer Sudhakar Yadav designed vehicles made in the shape of a purse, stilletto, tube of lipstick, and makeup compact for International Women's Day.

Nepalese women chant during a walkathon to end violence against women for International Women's Day in Kathmandu.

Gaggle Choir member posed at the Millennium Bridge in London, for Join Me on the Bridge 2012; the world's largest women's rights campaign on International Women's Day.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg opens trading at the London Stock Exchange along with 50 high profile business women including Alek Wek , Kelly Hoppen and Karen Brady to mark International Women's Day, in London.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Leymah Gbowee

Tawakkul Karman

Today we would like to spotlight a changemaking team who captured the real spotlight this weekend. Ellen, Leymah and Tawakkul were jointed awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their 

“non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.” 

“We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women acquire the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society”, stated the Nobel committee. To celebrate the historic milestone, from Cambodia to Colombia to the Congo, women are holding “Rise with the Prize” gatherings to publicly support and further the award’s socio-political impact—a true testament that women hold up “half the sky”.

Listen to Laureate Leymah Gbowee's thoughts on the Prize