International day of the Girl

There is a state in the south west region of India called Kerala.

Kerala has the highest literacy rate - one hundred percent enrolment at primary school level - the highest life expectancy, is the cleanest and healthiest state, has the lowest homicide rates and is deemed the least corrupt state of the country. Kerala's educated population is connected to local and international media with dozens of newspapers available in multiple languages.

While there are of course, many factors contributing to these amazing statistics, there is one that really struck a chord.

Historically, Kerala has been a matrilineal society. Family inheritances, property and wealth were passed down from mother to daughter, rather than a caste or patriarchal system. Embedding in the culture of Kerala, a position for women that was characterised by independence, freedom and security that was unique to other parts of the country.

The high rates of female literacy, education, work participation and life expectancy means women are empowered to make choices. Choices that make a huge impact to their community.

I was lucky enough to attend a preview of Girl Rising a few months ago (trailer above). A film sharing the stories of nine young girls. Their journeys on this path to education are incredibly moving and powerful. Everyone needs to see it.

One of the points raised by the film in sharing these stories was that investment in a girls education has been proven time and time again to deliver the highest return on investment in the developing world. Educating a boy is equally as important, but there are significant barriers to accessing education for SO MANY girls. Changing this literally changes communities, for the benefit of everyone in it. 

Today, is the International Day of the Girl.

Today, sixteen year old Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Sakharov EU Human Rights prize. Malala continues to campaign for the basic right of education for every child, with such strength and grace in spite of her horrific attack by the Taliban last year. 

World Vision Australia is hosting screenings of Girl Rising across the country today (additional dates in Sydney & Melbourne), tickets are still available. I encourage you to go see it. There are other ways to get involved too, more information here.

Recently our sponsor child, Sonda from Bangladesh, wrote to us and shared that the project that has had the biggest impact on her family so far is the education provided on children's rights and protection. It has changed attitudes, she wrote. The implications of this have a value far greater than any donation. 

Belinda x

* This is not a sponsored post. I support World Vision wholeheartedly. This topic is one I'm passionate about and I've been drafting it in my head for some time. Today felt like the right time to share it.

Chatsworth House

We piled into a three car convoy and made our way through the city traffic. Onto winding roads and country hills, where drystone walls divided up brilliant green paddocks speckled with grazing sheep polka dots.

A picnic lunch by the old stables on arrival followed by a lazy afternoon exploring Chatsworth House and grounds. Keen fans of Pride and Prejudice may recognise it as the on screen home of Mr Darcy.

I was amazed to find so many rooms thoughtfully laid out and open to the public. Even more so to learn that the Cavendish family still live there. Apparently the House is built so soundly that the tourist destination and the family home can co-exist. And it does feel homely, despite the grandeur.

The grounds were my favourite. Peppered with sculptures and statues, yet a vast and beautiful work of art in itself. Provoking imagination and inspiration at every turn.

Belinda x

40/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: Thankfully discovered the threadbare holes in the seat of his boardies before posing like the guy painted in the mural. Not before leaving the house though, which would have been a more ideal scenario...

We: Afternoons at the pool and iceblocks by the sea. Summer's on her way!

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

Manchester

We made a choice, this visit, to stop and rest a while. 

In the past, when we've made the long trip to England from Australia, we've made room in our itinerary to see family and friends in between other travel destinations. Since we were travelling all that way, it made sense to cram as much in. We got to see and do so many amazing things as a result. But it also meant we rushed from pillar to post before moving onto our next leg of the trip.

This time it was all about renewal and spending quality time. It was so nice to stop, hang out, do every day things, notice the details.

While in Manchester, we stayed at Didsbury House (pictured above). A quietly beautiful converted Victorian townhouse. From the wallpaper to the light fixtures, beautiful gardens, quirky styling and creaky floorboards, I LOVED every bit about staying there.

We were also blessed with lovely weather, too. This meant seeing more of the beautiful english countryside in all her blooming glory. Rich showed me the mountain bike trails and reservoirs he spent his childhood roaming about with his mates. His old childhood homes down cobblestone streets. Endless pots of tea. Pints, Pimms and pork pies. The council flower pots. A trip out to Cosco! I soaked up all the English details like a sponge. 

My husband, his history, my extended family and friends. It was a special time, and time I desperately needed. I'm so grateful that we had the opportunity to do it.

During our stay in Manchester, I also achieved an Op Shopping personal best.

Didsbury is a lovely little village with lots of nice cafes and a charity shop on just about every corner. I KNOW! Rich wasn't quite as thrilled as I was of this discovery.

So, we spent a lazy morning strolling that high street after breakfast. I ducked into each one while Rich flicked through old Beano comics out the front. I had it in mind that I would love to find myself a royal commemorative mug.

And wouldn't you know it, I found one!

One of my all time favourite finds. Every cup of tea now comes with a mental fist pump. YES!

Belinda x