International Women's Strike: March 8th
Posters by Etc. Letterpress
Wednesday, March 8th is "International Women's Day" and while we appreciate the sentiment of giving days to respect, honor, or remember certain things, events and people--we don't believe women can be encompassed to a single freakin day! Organizers of The Women's March are asking women and allies to act for equity, justice, and human rights of women through a one-day demonstration of economic solidarity for a #DayWithoutWomen.
We've compiled a list of how to participate from our sisters at The Women's March, BossBabes ATX, Obsessee & National Women's Liberation.
- If you can afford to, do not attend work (paid or unpaid). Going on strike proves what a crucial asset we are to the economy and the functionality of this country as a whole. If every woman skipped work, the nation would probably implode—let’s be real.
- If you are an employer, give female employees the day off on March 8th.
- Wear RED in solidarity. Stand in solidarity with your sisters by wearing red. Rally to get as many peers and colleagues to participate as you can, because like anything else, it will really make a statement when done in numbers.
- Women strike from paid and unpaid work
- Avoid shopping, to show economic power (with exceptions for small, women and minority-owned businesses). Everything we buy is a choice, and not spending for just one day makes a major statement about power in numbers and the fact that the economy depends on us to thrive, not vice versa.
- Also research the stances of companies you do regular business with, and adjust your choices based on whether they strive toward equality or oppression.
- Pick up the phone. We know it’s not always an option to sever ties with certain companies (namely banks, 37 of which support the DAPL), but you can still call them—every day—to voice your concerns about their impact on marginalized demographics. Customer satisfaction is absolutely crucial to their business.
- Invite friends over to write postcards to your representatives about bills in your state.
- Donate. While declining to engage in everyday purchases, choose to donate to causes you care about. Anything counts, since nonprofit organizations depend on community support to enact change. She Should Run's mission is to put more women into public office, We Are Ultraviolet is dedicated to fighting sexism and Planned Parenthood continues to advocate for women's healthcare across all demographics.
- Volunteer some place you care about!
- Do your research! Take some time to familiarize yourself with current landscape in our government (both local, state-level and national). We suggest Countable.
- Find out how you can be a better ally (check all that apply — educate yourself on White Feminism; engage in sisterhood, not cisterhood; explore the history of intersectional feminism; support Black-owned and Brown-owned businesses; listen).
- Watch 13th on Netflix by Ava Duvernay.
- Watch She's Beautiful When She's Angry on Netflix by Mary Dore.
- Check out our Actioning Actionable Actions list.
- For template letter to inform your employer of your participation in A Day Without A Woman, click here.
- For a template "Out of the Office" auto-response email, click here.
- For social media content and graphics, please check out this page.
- Write down all of the cool stuff you've done in the last year despite this political climate. Hold onto that.
WE STRIKE FOR
- An end to racist and sexual assaults, and all forms of bigotry
- Reproductive freedom, full access, and no coercion
- National Health Care for all
- A $15 minimum wage for all workers, no exceptions
- Protection and expansion of Social Security
- Childcare, free like the public schools, and paid family leave
- R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Happy International Women's Day (and every damn day)!