In 2013, the world witnessed the powerful release of “One Woman,” a song that brought together 25 celebrated singers and musicians from across the globe. From the vibrant cultures of China and Costa Rica to the rich musical landscapes of Mali and Malaysia, these artists united to deliver a resounding message of togetherness and support: We are “One Woman.”
Launched on International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2013, this inspiring anthem serves as a call to action, urging listeners worldwide to stand in solidarity for women’s rights and gender equality. Created specifically for UN Women, the leading global organization championing women and girls, “One Woman” embodies their vital mission to uplift women’s lives around the world. This song is a potent reminder that when we stand together, we possess the strength to overcome discrimination and violence against women, paving the way for a brighter future where “We Shall Shine!” Join the movement, spread this powerful message, and immerse yourself in this global musical celebration of women.
Get the Song on iTunes and Support UN Women
By downloading “One Woman” from iTunes, you directly contribute to UN Women’s crucial work. All proceeds from the song are dedicated to supporting their initiatives aimed at empowering women and enhancing their lives across the globe. Your support is invaluable – thank you for making a difference.
“One Woman” Lyrics: A Universal Message of Hope
The lyrics of “One Woman” beautifully articulate a sense of shared experience and global connection. They paint vivid scenes from diverse locations – Kigali, Hanoi, Ramallah, Tangier, Lahore, La Paz, Kampala, Juarez, Jaipur, Manila, Salta, and Embu – highlighting the universal struggles and triumphs of women. The song emphasizes that despite geographical distances and cultural differences, there’s an undeniable bond that unites women worldwide. The powerful chorus, “We are One Woman,” resonates with the themes of empathy, shared hopes, and collective strength.
One Woman
In Kigali, she wakes up,
She makes a choice,
In Hanoi, Natal, Ramallah.
In Tangier, she takes a breath,
Lifts up her voice,
In Lahore, La Paz, Kampala.
Though she’s half a world away
Something in me wants to say …
We are One Woman,
You cry and I hear you.
We are One Woman,
You hurt, and I hurt, too.
We are One Woman,
Your hopes are mine.
We shall shine.
In Juarez she speaks the truth,
She reaches out,
Then teaches others how to.
In Jaipur, she gives her name,
She lives without shame
In Manila, Salta, Embu.
Though we’re different as can be,
We’re connected, she with me
We are One Woman,
Your courage keeps me strong.
We are One Woman,
You sing, I sing along.
We are One Woman,
Your dreams are mine.
And we shall shine.
We shall shine.
And one man, he hears her voice.
And one man, he fights her fight.
Day by day, he lets go the old ways,
One Woman at a time.
Though she’s half a world away,
Something in me wants to say.
We are One Woman,
Your victories lift us all.
We are One Woman,
You rise and I stand tall.
We are One Woman,
Your world is mine
And we shall shine.
Shine, shine, shine.
We shall shine
Shine, shine, shine.
We shall shine.
Shine, shine, shine.
Celebrating the Global Artists of “One Woman”
The creation of “One Woman” was a truly collaborative global effort, bringing together an extraordinary array of talent. The song features renowned artists such as Angélique Kidjo, Anoushka Shankar, Buika, Charice, Debi Nova, Idan Raichel, Jane Zhang, and Yuna, among many others. Each artist brought their unique vocal style and musicality to the project, enriching the song’s diverse and powerful sound. This impressive collective of female and male voices underscores the message of unity and shared commitment to gender equality.
The Team Behind the Music: Songwriters, Producers, and More
The success of “One Woman” is attributed to the dedication and artistry of numerous individuals. The song was skillfully written by Beth Blatt, Graham Lyle, and Fahan Hassan, and produced by Jerry Boys, Beth Blatt, and Graham Lyle. The production team also included mixing engineer Jerry Boys and executive producer Hope Sings. The music video production involved professionals at Microsoft Production Studios, with key roles held by Kara Costa, Maren S. Patterson, and Denise Burdette. The contributions of photographers, videographers, and studio personnel from around the world were also essential in bringing this project to life.
Full Credits: A Testament to Global Collaboration
“One Woman” is a testament to the power of global collaboration, involving hundreds of individuals who generously contributed their talents and expertise. UN Women extends heartfelt gratitude to all songwriters, producers, musicians, video production teams, and supporting partners who made this inspiring project possible. The detailed credits list below acknowledges the diverse team who united to create this anthem of unity and empowerment.
One Woman
Song
Written by: Beth Blatt, Graham Lyle, Fahan Hassan
Produced by: Jerry Boys, Beth Blatt, Graham Lyle
Mixing Engineer: Jerry Boys
Executive Producer: Hope Sings
Produced at Livingston Studio, London, United Kingdom
Mixed at The Moor Room, United Kingdom
Mastered at Sterling Sound, New York City
Music video
Produced at Microsoft Production Studios
Senior Manager Business Development and Marketing: Kara Costa
Producer: Maren S. Patterson
Editor: Denise Burdette
Production Coordinator: Betsy Grant
Photos and video courtesy of: CIAT (Neil Palmer), UNAIDS, UNDP (Ahmed Rady, Ari Vitikainen, Issraa El-Ko, Mohammad Moniruzzaman), UN Photo (Christopher Herwig, Kibae Park, Helena Mulkerns, Martine Perret, P Mugabane, Rick Bajornas), UNTV, UNTF/Phil Borges, UN Women (Catianne Tijerina, Gaganjit Singh, Janarbek Amankulov)
Individual session credits
Dave Arch Band
Recorded at Livingston Studio, London, United Kingdom
Recorded by Jerry Boys, Assisted by Sonny
Filmed by Mike Banks
Mikey Rowe
Recorded at home in United Kingdom
Engineered by Mikey Rowe
Ana Bacalhau
Recorded at Boom Studios, Porto, Portugal
Recorded by and mixed by Jerry Boys, Assisted by João Bessa
Filmed by André Tentugal
Angélique Kidjo
Recorded at Obatala Studios, New York City
Engineered by Jean Hebrail
Filmed by Andy Bryant
Anoushka Shankar
Recorded at Ravi Shankar Foundation, San Diego, California
Engineered by Ben Moore
Filmed by Sevdije Kastrati
Bassekou Kouyate
Recorded at Studio Bogolan, Bamako, Mali
Engineered by Yaya Diarra
Filmed by Dugugrafix/Youssouf Coulibaly
Bebel Gilberto
Recorded at Flux Studios, New York City
Engineered by Daniel Sanint
Filmed by MP Nunan, Make-up by Fatima Thomas
Brian Finnegan
Recorded at Spring Studios, Rostrevor, County Down, North Ireland
Engineered by Colum Sands
Buika
Recorded at Miami Beach Recording Studios, Miami Beach, Florida
Engineered by Luciano Delgado
Filmed by Sembrando Producciones SL
Charice
Recorded at The Assembly Entertainment, Los Angeles, California
Engineered by Troy Laureta
Filmed by Andy Bryant
Cherine Amr
Recorded at Vibe, Cairo, Egypt
Engineered by Yousef Ahmed
Filmed by Mahmoud Gawish, Producer: AbdulRahman EL-Garawany, Executive producer: Axeer Studio and Qabila Media Production
Debi Nova
Recorded at Mondomix Studios, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Engineered by Demian Nava
Filmed by Tato Borounian/LCNPro
Emeline Michel
Recorded at Eastside Sound, New York City
Engineered by Eric Elterman
Filmed by MP Nunan
Beth Blatt / Fahan Hassan / Jim Diamond / Keith Murrell / Lance Ellington
Recorded at Livingston Studio, London, United Kingdom
Recorded by Jerry Boys, Assisted by Sonny & Mark Allaway
Filmed by Mike Banks
Idan Raichel of The Idan Raichel Project
Recorded at Bardo Recording Studios, Tel Aviv, Israel
Engineered by Jonathan Kossov
Filmed by Talal Jabari
Jane Zhang
Recorded at Make Sound Studio, Beijing, China
Engineered by Liming Yu
Filmed by Alexei Berteig
Maria Friedman
Recorded at State of the Ark Studio, London, United Kingdom
Engineered by Tom Hough
Marta Gomez with Gaddafi Núñez Cano (charango) and Pablo Andrés Giménez (zampoña)
Recorded at La Ollita Records, Barcelona, Spain
Engineered by Gaddafi Núñez Cano
Filmed by Teo Campos
Meklit Hadero
Recorded at Eastcote Studios, London, United Kingdom
Recorded by Jerry Boys
Filmed by Ros Gihan Williams
Rokia Traoré
Recorded at Mercredi 9, Paris, France
Engineered by Frederic Carrayol
Filmed by Mariana Keller
Vanessa Quai
Recorded at Harvest Studio, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Engineered by Tito Quai
Filmed by Rick Malao, Interview filmed by Christopher Quai
Ximena Sariñana
Recorded at Obra Negra Studios, Mexico City, Mexico
Engineered by Ivan Leyva
Filmed by Alejandra Olivares
Yuna
Recorded at Indie-Pop Studios, Los Angeles, California
Engineered by Antonio M. Nochez
Filmed by Sevdije Kastrati
Special thanks to Microsoft as the corporate partner for the production of “One Woman”, particularly Orlando Ayala, Chairman of Emerging Markets, and Oriona Spaulding, Director of National Competitiveness.
Additional thanks to: Ange Touré, Anna Pandorf, Beco Dranoff, Ben Willis, Boris Nowalski, Carly Slade, Christine Poundford, Daniella Tamayo, David Azulay, Deborah Cohen, Donnie Kehr, Earl Blackburn, Elly Lessin Frances Zapanta, Gahri Lubin, Jay Rutledge, Katie Baron, Kellee Joost, Kerri Welsh, Marc Johnston, Marianne Pompeu, Maurice Keizer, Oriona Spaulding, Orlando Ayala, Paula Quijano, Polita Buika, Porfirio Pina, Rich Masio, Tim Prager, Tobias Tumarkin, Vasco Sacramento, Yeara Livny.
