Preface
Happy (almost) International Women’s Day everyone! This Friday, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. So, naturally, I feel compelled to base this week’s post on such an important day. I feel as though we seldom have an opportunity to connect worldwide and advocate for a shared goal. Although specific challenges and obstacles to women’s rights will vary across the globe, it remains that March 8th is a day when all women, girls, and anyone else who values gender equality and women’s empowerment can unite.
Both in spirit and common purpose, people from all over the world will get together to celebrate the accomplishments of women as well as advocate for the forward movement of women’s rights and equality. Further, it is a reminder that there are women’s groups and movements across the world that work hard every day to protect and advance women’s rights. So today, let’s take a look at the inspiring international scale of International Women’s Day and associated global movements.
International Women’s Day Around the World
I started my research on this topic by watching this short Global News video which highlights events around the world on International Women’s Day, 2023. In these clips, each march or rally focuses on a different issue. However, they all have a common goal of advancing women’s rights and advocating for gender equality. Although the special events of International Women’s Day are exciting and reinforce messages of strength and unity, there are also significant groups and ongoing movements around the world that work toward gender equality on a daily basis.
In Canada, I often see a western focus on women’s movements (which makes sense given it is Canada), however, I wanted to highlight some movements across the globe made possible by women trailblazers and activists facing all kinds of barriers. So, I have picked out a few to share with you today and spotlight the incredible work of women across the world.
MAKAAM
MAKAAM is an organization in India that works to increase the visibility of women farmers. It is a common occurrence in rural parts of India to see a family-operated farm where women do most of the work (60-75%) but only men have land rights and recognition as farmers. Thus, agricultural training, research, and financial systems often ignore women despite the huge contribution and role they have in maintaining farms and producing crops. Further, many of these women do not consider themselves as employed farmers due to the historic dismissal of women’s work and lack of recognition or access to land rights. So, MAKAAM addresses these injustices and demands the recognition of women’s labour.
They work to ensure women’s identities as farmers as well as advance their rights to land and title. This organization empowers women to recognize themselves as hard workers in the agricultural field, promote financial freedom and self-sufficiency, and advocate among rural communities for the fair treatment of women in agriculture.
“Women farmers need to have equality in this domain not just for instrumental reasons around poverty, food security etc., but because these are their rights”
MAKAAM
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Luchadoras
Luchadoras, the feminist group in Mexico, focuses on creating safe digital spaces for women and girls. After witnessing a recent rise in violence, hatred, and safety threats towards women online, this group has taken action to ensure the safe use of online platforms. Further, they share important resources to ensure access to adequate legal repercussions against those violating women’s rights, autonomy, and safety online. They aim to promote safe virtual spaces and uphold the dignity of women and girls in the era of social media and increasing online activity.
As discussed in one of my previous posts– “Misogyny is Alive and Well… and Increasing”)– online platforms are often spaces where hatred and violence against women can occur without adequate repercussions due to the anonymity offered by the internet. I found this feminist group particularly forward-thinking as it addresses the rise in new forms of violence against women that have been identified in Latin America and across the globe. Their website offers compelling ideas around feminist internet spaces, online safety, and avenues for seeking justice.
“May women, young people, and girls live with joy and freedom in both physical and digital spaces, aware of their personal and collective strength and potential”
Luchadoras
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Akina Mama wa Afrika
Akina Mama wa Afrika translates to solidarity among African women. This feminist development organization is located in Kampala, Uganda, and works towards the political, economic, and social empowerment of women across Africa. Specifically in Tunisia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, and Kenya. AMwA’s mission is to support feminist leadership and build collective power to deconstruct oppressive systems that inhibit gender equality and social justice.
Through various programmes, advocacy efforts, and collaboration among organizations, this group builds collective power to influence policy and social change which empowers marginalized women. I find this group especially inspiring because they operate across an entire continent to continuously strategize and develop new methods of addressing pushback on women’s rights and historical oppression. This group exhibits true strength and the power of connecting and uniting women across numerous countries.
“While ideological differences continue to undermine efforts to forge a shared political purpose as feminists, we are mindful of not reproducing patriarchal oppression. At AMwA, how we conduct our work is as important as the work itself and we are intentional about sisterhood, inter-generational solidarity, and intersectional feminism in pursuit of a gender-just society.”
Akina Mama wa Afrika
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Conclusion
These movements and groups are just a few examples of women’s work and achievements across the globe. Regardless of differences in location and varying paths to modern feminism, I think it is a truly beautiful thing to see the international solidarity of women. Although there is still work to be done, I want to acknowledge the resilience, strength, intelligence, and overall capability of women in this world.
This Friday, March 8th, I will be thinking of women who are champions against violence and oppression, women who are an inspiration for young girls in their lives, and women who uplift and empower others. Last but certainly not least, I will especially be thinking of marginalized women who have not yet had their voices heard and, for now, are quiet trailblazers for future generations.
“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women.”
Malala Yousafzai
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