"The world will be saved by the Western Woman." ~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama

ChickChat's annual "Half the Sky" Soiree is always an inspirational evening, and one that's most near and dear to our hearts. Join us in a celebration of International Women's Day (March 8th) and Women's History Month at ChickChat's for an evening that will shed light on issues and challenges facing women and girls around the world ~ and the local non-profits whose work empowers and brings opportunity to those they work with.

This year we're highlighting non-profits who work with women and girls in developing countries: Ethiopia, Nepal, India and Haiti. Our speaker panel includes:

*The Ethiopian Water Mill Project ~ provides work and a livelihood to women injured by obstetric fistula (founded by local photographer, poet, coach and philanthropist Kristie McLean)

*Upaya Social Ventures ~ funding and building businesses that create jobs and improve the quality of life for families living in extreme poverty in India. Some of the businesses funded include a dairy and a silk weaving cooperative.

*Crooked Trails speaking on behalf of Maiti Nepal ~ rescues and rehabilitates women and girls from sex trafficking between Nepal & India.

*Haiti Babi ~ makes gorgeous, high quality crocheted blankets that employ and empower Haitian mothers to care for their family and children. (1 in 10 children in Haiti are in orphanages, Haiti Babi helps mothers be able to afford to keep and care for their children)

All of these non-profits were founded by WOMEN Changemakers who know first hand, that one woman can make a difference. Imagine what many passionate, empowered women can do?

The evening includes:
*Wine (Chocolate Shop and Girly Girl Wines)
*Dry Soda
*Light bites and sweets (this is not dinner, eat beforehand)
*Mixing and mingling and meeting other interesting women (and a few men)
*Surrounded by gorgeous art created by local artists
*Speakers will share their stories in photographs, video and personal tales of why they started the non-profit, the change it is creating and how women and girls are being empowered

Other non-profits who will have informational tables at the event include:

*Jolkona

*Influence Her

*Ayni Education International

*The Kiran Anjali Project

 ~~Women and girls of all ages are welcome (and cool men who "get it")