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“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”
–Audre Lorde
Today, March 8, is a day to honor and reflect on the path of those women who came before us and the journey that those of us seeking to transform our society continue to navigate. Let’s work together to ensure that our workforce is respected and fairly compensated.
International Women's Day is March 8. In many countries, this celebration holds special significance for working women worldwide. The origins of this day trace back to various significant events, including the 1857 strike of women workers in New York's textile industry, demanding fair wages and decent working conditions; the formation of the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Germany in 1907; the tragic death of over 100 women textile workers, many of whom were immigrants, in a New York factory fire in 1911; and the 1917 strike of working and peasant women in Russia, which led to the inaugural celebration of International Working Women's Day, championed by Clara Zetkin and Rosa Luxemburg.
These references serve as a reminder that this day acknowledges the fight led by other women for the rights of all. At The Bridge Sisters (TBS), we aim to honor this legacy by centering our consulting services on organizations that promote gender equality and equity; especially those striving to address the challenges faced by migrant women, Latinas, and other women of color living in the United States and Latin America. If you're reading this, you might be interested in the work we do at TBS. Maybe our values and the passion for creating a better and more just world for women and girls may resonate with you. Whatever the case may be, we want to extend this invitation to join us in commemorating International Women's Day and take action for change. Here are some simple yet powerful ways you can do so throughout the month:
Raise awareness and engage with your team about International Women’s Day: remind them that it is a day to honor the struggle of working women, not merely a superficial celebration centered on femininity and the stereotypical roles assigned to us (such as beauty, tenderness, and care), which can perpetuate gender stereotypes and lead to discrimination. Plan an activity around this commemoration, such as sharing inspiring quotes from women advocating for their rights or sending this article to your team (or colleagues).
Don’t be complicit in violence against women: When faced with instances of gender-based violence—whether symbolic, economic, emotional, political, physical, or otherwise—take action and reject it. Silence and the lack of action also perpetuate injustices and sustains the system of oppression.
Ensure that the women you work with receive fair wages and equitable compensation: Be sure to pay fair and equal wages for the work and time of the women in your organization or from whom you buy different types of goods or services.
Today, March 8, is a day to honor and reflect on the path of those women who came before us and the journey that those of us seeking to transform our society continue to navigate. Let’s work together to ensure that our workforce is respected and fairly compensated, that the caregiving we provide at home and to our families is acknowledged as labor, and that we are treated with dignity. We deserve to live lives free of violence. Therefore, we must raise our voices and take action to achieve equity and justice for all. Join us on this journey!
*The image illustration this article was generated with AI.