Revamping International Women's Day
Moving from Hallmark Holiday to a Day for Real Change
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You know what I love? Celebrating.
Birthdays, new jobs, moving to a new home, Valentines… I jump at any chance to show others how happy I am for them or to express my love and appreciation.
But there's one day of the year that has started to leave a sour taste in my mouth: International Women’s Day. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for celebrating women and their incredible achievements. I do that for a living! But lately, it feels like we're missing the point with IWD.
So today I’ve got a different idea on how we can use International Women’s Day. Instead of using March 8 to simply pat ourselves on the back and say "good job, ladies," let's use this day to push for radical social change.
Here’s my thoughts.
International Women’s Day started as a fight for women’s rights
IWD began as a movement for radical social change.
In 1909, women gathered in honour of a garment workers' strike, rallying for improved working conditions and better wages. The following year, over 100 women from 17 countries convened at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Denmark, and established an annual International Women's Day. The purpose of the day was to advocate for women's rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, and work without discrimination.
The early days of International Women’s Day were marked by strikes, demonstrations, and advocacy, as women fought tirelessly for their rights.
Today, IWD feels more like a Hallmark Holiday
Celebrations and vague messages calling for diversity are the norm these days.
Taking a quick scroll through my LinkedIn, I see a ton of Women’s Day events. They usually have a panel of three or four women. They usually cover something broad like “celebrating women entrepreneurs” or “thriving as a woman leader”. They usually last for an hour and before moving on with the rest of life.
With the world focused on women for one day, we have the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the struggles that women face and push for meaningful change. Instead, soft “pledges of support" and "celebrations of excellence" lull us into a false sense of security, masking the progress that still needs to be made.
Yes, of course, there is lots of progress and goodness women have accomplished. And, there are still issues that need to be addressed.
Suggestions for a meaningful International Women’s Day
Childcare accessibility and affordability
Childcare costs eat up nearly 20% of net wages in Canada and the US, compared to an average of 12% across the OECD. Many families can't even find affordable childcare.
How about a protest in the soaring atriums on Bay Street and in Parliament buildings? Parents could bring their kids, set up our playpens and highchairs and pass a few hours showing lawmakers and corporate executives what it is like when you can’t afford or find childcare.
Reproductive rights
Less than a year ago, Roe v. Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court, and 50% of US states have either banned or are hostile towards abortion. This shift is not helping the cause of all the other women around the world who do not have access to legal and safe abortions, even as a result of rape or if the mother's own life is at risk.
How about one day spent spamming law makers in Poland, El Salvador, United States, and all the other countries that restrict abortions? Let them get a feeling of what it’s like to not have control.
Economic disparity
Money is power in our society and women get less of it.
There is a double whammy happening to every single woman on this earth. First, women earn less than men for equal work. We’re at 84 cents for every dollar a man earns in Canada and the US. Second, women do double or more unpaid labour than men.
How about a global women’s strike at 4pm for two hours? We all stop what we are doing and go for a two hour walk together. Why should we keep working if we aren’t paid for those hours and let someone else figure out what’s for dinner.
Physical oppression
Women’s bodies have never been fully ours since Eve picked that apple.
Female genital mutilation is practiced in 30 countries around the world on 4 million females a year. One in three women experience gender based violence, according to the World Health Organization. On the less extreme end of the oppression spectrum, all women face restrictive dress codes and physical standards (think: head scarves, expensive wrinkle creams, weight loss programs)
What about taking a day off from your physical routine and dressing in whatever you want? I’d let my grey hairs frizz, my eyebrows go un-plucked, pause my five-step skin care routine, and wear the most ruffly, pink dress I could find.
Phew - I feel better. I’m much clearer as to why I’ve felt irked with how we spend International Women’s Day nowadays.
Know of a something radical happening this year or want to plan for next year? Holler at me!!
At the very least, I will be wearing whatever the heck I want, letting someone else cook dinner and talking with my four year old (who already thinks she is prettier with lipstick!) about loving herself for who she is and not how she looks.
Be well,
J
P.S. I’m prioritizing shipping over perfection, so this post may not convey all my thoughts perfectly. I’d love comments or questions to keep the discovery going.
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