March 8th is approaching. Rather than just focus on ending violence against women and advancing womens’ rights on International Women’s Day, I’ll be thinking about that all month. Well, actually, more like daily, all year. As per usual.

There have been so many recent reminders of the global, and local, struggles for our rights. So, so many. Some realities are affecting women and girls very near and dear to my heart, both near and far from me geographically.

Here is my translation of the powerful and poetic song “Si Me Matan” (“If they kill me”) by young and decisive Mexican singer-songwriter Silvana Estrada. This brilliant artist is from central Mexico, from a small town in the state of Veracruz. She has perhaps the most beautiful NPR Tiny Desk concert out there, but I’d encourage you to first watch the simple, yet breathtaking, music video for this song. Then listen to the song while you read the Spanish or English lyrics.

Wishing all of my sisters safety and courage amid the escalating turmoil that surrounds us all, that we brave through in various ways each day, from wherever we are. The struggles for equality have not been met, don’t let them fool you. Keep making your art, or doing whatever it is that brings you happiness. Adelante, siempre.

In solidarity. Fuertes abrazos.