Women and girls are uniquely and disproportionately affected by armed conflict.  In modern warfare, an estimated 90% of the casualties are civilians, and 75% of these are women and children. No Woman, No Peace

Wow, right? When I read this in an article today, I had to sit down and take a deep breath. It boogles my spirit and jumbles my heart.

Even though this UN resolution and the USA’s action plan to support the solution to this are great news, it is also mind numbing to imagine that the effect of war is so deadly to citizens in general, and to women and children in particular.

As we enter this new year with promise and resolve, let’s remember our sisters in arms. A friend of mind said it best today – Arms are for hugging.

For those of us in lands that are more peaceful, let’s give thanks for all the blessings we have. Let’s celebrate nations taking positive action. Let’s share with our neighbors the effects of war so we can no longer turn a blind eye to it. Let us remember that we are in this together.

If you are in a country torn by war, know that we are with you.

If this problem moves you to take action, take it now. Donate your time, your money, and your help in whatever way you can. Women have the power to eliminate poverty and war. If not now, when?

2012 is going to be a productive year here at SmartWomanGuides.com – we are going to host several Global Women’s Summits, produce several women entrepreneur products, and have much quality time together at training events. I am excited for all there is to come and I am inspired by every woman I meet.

We are going to expand our ability past our doorsteps and into the global commerce arena. We will be reaching out to our global sisters to better ourselves and our world.

As we do our work this year, we will come face to face with problems like the one in this article about women and war. It’s our responsibility to be both witness and relief. Start today by being thankful and aware.

Remember: No woman, no peace.

In love and gratitude,

Vicki @Smartwoman Flaugher

[graphic by DFID - UK Department for International Development]

I need to know: What kind of female entrepreneur are you?

• Do you create physical products? If so, what are they?
• Do you own a service or consulting business? If so, what service do you provide?
• Do you have a MLM (multi-level marketing) business like Airbonne or a distribution business of some sort? Tell us all about what you promote.
• Do you own a manufacturing facility? What do you make?
• Are you an internet business woman, using affiliate revenues and internet marketing to build revenue streams?
• Are you a celebrity or author or speaker building her brand? What’s your message?
• Are you a stay-at-home mompreneur or WAHM?
• Have you taken leadership of the family business? What does it do in the market place?
• Are you a Dilberta in cubicle nation, secretly planning her escape, whose entrepreneur’s heart is full of hope and promise?
• Are you an advocate or activist or politician?
• Are you an inventor or artist or something else I haven’t mentioned yet?

Here’s your chance to sign on, get a link from our site leading back to yours, and share with us what you do.

The reason I want input is, one, I am curious and two, I recognize that women entrepreneurs are not a monolithic demographic. Although we have many similarities, the sub-segments of us all have different needs and goals. I, for example, do not have children. Although I can try to imagine the needs and concerns of a parent, I don’t truly know. I don’t have to make those sacrifices, nor do I get to experience those joys. I haven’t ever lived there.

I am a true believer that together we are stronger. It’s not just my motto, it’s my mantra. I find our differences interesting because I am a constant learner. I need other people, and specifically other women entrepreneurs, to understand my own entrepreneur’s journey. It gives me context and new ideas. So I am asking for your help for a selfish reason. I need you. I need you present to understand myself. My rewards in life are only complete if they are shared.

So, what do you say? Post a comment about what you do. I know you’re out there. Would you share with me and with all of us? I’d love it if you would.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman