This month, we’re reflecting on not just what it is to be a woman, but what it is to be a feminist. Feminism is both a framework and practice. It calls us to get aligned and organized so that we can breakthrough systems and structures of domination and build new liberatory structures that allow everyone to thrive.
Feminism isn’t about gender, it’s about power. Gloria Steinem reminds us that “all struggles are essentially power struggles. Who will rule? Who will lead? Who will define, refine, confine, design?”
Our work as feminists in this moment is to make power visible, to challenge power abused and, most especially, to claim our power collectively. Feminism for some isn’t feminism at all. We need to live into a feminism that works for everyone.
Only then will we all get free.
Kerri (she/her)
Rather than fighting for the destruction of patriarchy, the Sorority of Pinky Swears wears a bespoke feminism that is tailored to fit their aspirations of fighting whatever hurts them individually, and fuck the rest of us. [click to tweet]
It’s an under-known fact that the “revolutionary” concept of a democratic union did not spring fully formed from the Enlightenment pens of the Founding Fathers. What Women’s Suffrage Owes to Indigenous Culture. [click to tweet]
International Women’s Day started as a protest organized by anti-capitalist American socialists and suffragists. Celebrate accordingly. [click to tweet]
“Out there I have to smile”. Heather Lanier on the pressure to perform happiness in a world that is not designed for many. [click to tweet]
The World Not Only Needs Women Leaders—It Needs Feminist Leaders - "Because gender equality not only serves to advance the cause of women—a fairer society benefits us all." [click to tweet]
On International Women's Day, let's remember as much as women are succeeding, they are also struggling. Today and everyday, we can take action for the wellbeing of all women:
Abortion is a women’s issue: This year could see the most anti-choice legislative attacks ever. So far in 2021, 384 anti-abortion provisions have been introduced in 43 states. We need prochoice elected officials at every level to proactively defend our most basic rights.
Pay equity is a women’s issue: Women currently make 81 cents on the dollar (and the US ranks 53rd in the world for gender pay equity). Here’s how to fix it.
Paid family leave is a women’s issue: The US is the only industrialized nation to not guarantee paid family leave. But women shouldn’t have to choose between a job and their children. Join the fight for paid family leave.
Living wage is a women’s issue: Two thirds of those living in poverty are women of color with children. Raise the wage.
Voting rights is a women’s issue: Women are particularly vulnerable to voting restrictions and rules. Tell Congress to pass the #ForThePeopleAct to protect the vote.
Image @candykloset
If your feminism isn’t intersectional, you’re not doing it right. Enter “radical feminists”, also known as TERFS (trans exclusionary radical feminist groups). It is a perspective that calls for a radical reordering of society in which male supremacy is eliminated in all social and economic contexts. It views the oppression of women by men as the most fundamental form of oppression. Sounds good in theory right? Wrong. There is nothing radical or feminist about transphobia or any orientation that excludes any women. And now TERFS are working with conservatives to push their anti-trans agenda. But as long as TERFs prevail, all women lose. Dig deeper here.
Art @hannaharand
In her new book, Radiant Rest, Tracee Stanley is calling us to rest into who we are as a radical act of self love. Yes, please.
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