CARE, International Women's Day Celebration 2010

Half the Sky: Join the CARE 2010 World Wide Celebration of International Women’s Day!

On Thursday, March 4, 2010… Marisa Tomei, Maria Bello, India.Arie, Nicholas Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn and others will lead the largest International Women’s Day celebration on the planet!

by Hilda Oropeza, CARE USA
Director of Community Partnerships, San Francisco

Inspired by stories from the critically-acclaimed book “Half the Sky” by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, CARE’s Half the Sky event – in nearly 500 movie theatres for just one night – will feature an uplifting night of music, celebrity discussion and film.

The event features performances, readings, and appearances by India.Arie, Maria Bello, the Bay Area’s own Michael Franti, Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE, Angelique Kidjo, Nicholas Kristof, Marisa Tomei, Sarah, Duchess of York, Sheryl WuDunn and other notables. Watch the short video below to learn more about this powerful event!

The World Premiere of Woinshet

Wonishet, a powerful short film directed by Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei and Lisa Leone will launch its world premiere during this event. The film tells the story of Woinshet, an Ethiopian woman who triumphs over degradation and abuse in a society where women are often voiceless and victimized.

“Woinshet is an inspiration to the millions of women across the globe who face violence and oppression,” says Marisa Tomei. “My hope is that people will leave theatres not only cheering her on, but demanding that we end discrimination and horrible cruelty towards women.”

Building on the success of A POWERFUL NOISE Live, CARE’s 2009 International Women’s Day event, Half the Sky will inspire audiences to join the movement to empower women and girls in the fight against poverty and oppression.

“CARE is proud to once again celebrate International Women’s Day with a rousing one-night-only event in theatres across the country,” said Dr. Gayle. “HALF THE SKY is more than just a night at the movies – it’s a rallying cry to stand up and join a growing worldwide movement to empower women and girls to fight global poverty.”

CARE’s Half the Sky event will take place at 7:30 pm in all time zones in nearly 500 movie theatres in the U.S. and Canada. Tickets are approximately $10-$12.50 depending on the theatre and a portion of ticket sales goes to support CARE. To find a theatre near you and purchase tickets today, visit CARE, Half the Sky event.

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty.

Women are at the heart of CARE’s community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives. To learn more please visit their website.