International Women's Day 2011

On this International women's day, I send my love and admiration to every woman who gives without asking for anything in return. You are truly a rare breed.

I'm blessed to have such women in my life. I'll take this opportunity to give a shout out to three of them. My mother, Najat Sayegh, who never stops giving and always feels that she's not giving enough. My sister Christine Chalhoub who just mothered me during my visit to Lebanon like no one else has ever done to before. My baby sister Elise Medlej for being a well of inspiration and a wonderful supporting force when I need it most.

The best gift on this Women's Day is having my two daughters by my side to show me what unconditional love means both in giving and receiving it.

I also want to thank the men in my life who know how to empower a woman. My dad who has managed to live happily with five women realizing early on that the secret to their happiness is to love them and let them BE. My husband who is simply my rock any time, any day, under any circumstance. All the other men who believed in me and stood with me in good times as well as challenging ones. From you I learned that the reward is in the process and not in the end result.

My daughter Aya designed and executed the special Women's Day avatar on Facebook and Twitter. It honors Lebanese women as they demand some basic rights including the right to give the Lebanese citizenship to their children. You can read more about their movement and the meaning behind the avatar here: http://on.fb.me/gbNhki

If you're Lebanese, man or woman, you can sign the petition my mom and I have signed here: http://bit.ly/gzflS9