Hey there my lovely Worldette,

With the Olympics 2012 in full swing I’m psyched to see the world coming together and gold medals aside, let face it, this global event is all about taking part – and having fun along the way. Imagine the possibilities if only we had this spirit of  international connection year round.

Well thank goodness for Worldette!

For women the Games this year has already been dubbed by the UK Telegraph as ‘the women’s games’ and rightly so. Before the Games even began last Friday, collectively female athletes have already broken some fantastic achievements:

•    never before have so many women have run, jumped, swum and ridden at an Olympic Games

•    never before has every competing nation been represented by at least one female

•    the United States has more female athletes than male for the first time ever

•    a record 45 percent of athletes are women (which makes you wonder why women’s sports gets so little coverage for the rest of the time)

It’s a long cry from what Baron de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, expected from women when he organised the first and male-only Games in 1896: “Olympics with women would be incorrect, unpractical, uninteresting and unesthetic [sic].” A woman’s role was to applaud the actions of their men, explained De Coubertin.

Did you notice the Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei teams walking into the stadium at the opening ceremony?

These countries may have been the last defenders of De Coubertin’s men-only ethos yet thanks to persistent pressure from International Olympic Committee, on Saturday we saw a female athlete a part of each team.  Brunei’s flag bearer, runner Maziah Mahusin said, “I feel very proud of myself, and I feel honored,” said Mahusin. “It’s kind of like being an ambassador for my country.”

I truly do believe that global shifts are taking place for women’s equality worldwide.

Even when we are faced with the darkest news stories, events like the Olympic Games only heighten our opportunity to celebrate these changes, no matter how small each change may seem at the time.

Here’s to every competing female and to every Olympic committee and delegation that has allowed this Olympic Games to be our most equal ever. Enjoy the rest of the Olympic celebrations!

Ignite your travel life, make a difference, have fun, Marie. xx

PS. Taking of celebrations, Worldette is holding an end of summer party and YOU’RE invited. Are you on the list yet? Sign up here.