March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD). IWD has been observed for more than a century. At times, the recognition was in the form of demonstrations or protests; however, in recent years IWD has become a time to reflect on and celebrate the advancement of women’s rights, from financial autonomy to reproductive rights, access to childcare and the prevention of violence against women.
The theme for IWD 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. This theme offers us a chance to ask the question: “What do women’s rights look like when viewed through a lens of inclusion?”. Globally, some of the big issues that continue to impact women and girls around the world include discrimination, gender-based violence, pay equity and economic empowerment, and reproductive justice, including the right to have a child, the right not to have a child, and the right to parent a child, or children, in safe and healthy environments.
Historically, women’s rights have identified the inequalities faced by women and girls; however, we must acknowledge that each addition of an oppressed identity creates an intersection where inequalities are amplified. This is commonly called intersectional feminism. It means that discrimination grows with each layer of a person’s identity that faces discrimination. For example:
- A white woman may face discrimination in the workplace because of sexism.
- A person of colour may face discrimination in the workplace because of racism.
- A woman of colour in the workplace may face discrimination because of both sexism and racism.
- A lesbian woman of colour may face a still higher level of discrimination in the workplace because of sexism, racism, and homophobia.
The 2024 IWD theme of Inspire Inclusion invites us to include all women as we celebrate how far we have come, and to work together to fight for a better future for all women. Moving forward, we must center the voices of women who have been, and who continue to be, marginalized. This includes trans women, Indigenous women, Black women, women of colour, lesbian women, queer women, immigrant women, and disabled women.
We can collectively take these steps by using inclusive language, avoiding sweeping generalizations or beliefs about marginalized groups of people, and by constantly questioning the diversity and representation in our daily lives. How can our spaces be more welcoming and inclusive? Whose voices are at the table when decisions are made and who is missing? When a person with many identities speaks up to share their experience, listen. Take some time to research viewpoints that differ from your own.
This year, we are recognizing International Women’s Day with a contest. What is your favourite quote about feminism, and who said it? Email us at [email protected] with your answer and you’ll be entered in a draw to win one of our favourite books! This contest is open to SEIU-West members. Winner will be selected by random draw and notified by email. Deadline to enter is Wednesday March 13 at 5:00pm.
With that in mind, here are a few of our favourite books about feminism:
Women Don’t Owe You Pretty, by Florence Given
Hood Feminism, Notes From the Women That a Movement Forgot, by Mikki Kendall
Ain’t I a Woman, Black Women and Feminism, by Bell Hooks
White Tears Brown Scars, How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color, by Ruby Hamad
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches, by Audre Lorde
Making Space for Indigenous Feminism, edited by Joyce Green
The Body is Not an Apology, The Power of Radical Self Love, by Sonya Renee Taylor
We Should All Be Feminists, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Feminist Killjoy Handbook, The Radical Potential of Getting in the Way, by Sara Ahmed