Women’s Day: Gender is the last barrier to equality

On Wednesday, International Women’s Day, the organizers behind the January march are planning a showing of economic solidarity in walkouts, rallies and marches dubbed A Day Without a Woman.

The earliest Women’s Day observance was held on February 28, 1909, in NY. Working women in California and NY contributed the most, almost $2.8 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively.

However you choose to participate (or not), it will certainly be interesting to see what a day without women is really like.

Of course, the organizers of International Women’s Strike USA recognize that not everyone can participate.

The American restaurant industry would certainly be in trouble if women stopped showing up to work, which is what may happen on Wednesday, March 8 – International Women’s Day. “However, due to occupational segregation and the devaluation of jobs that women disproportionately hold, outdated labor standards, and insufficient work-family policies, women in the United States aren’t able to meet their full economic potential”.

Next, everyone is encouraged to refrain from shopping, in stores and online, though “exceptions include local small businesses and women-owned businesses that support us”. The organizers chose red because it is “a color of signifying revolutionary love and sacrifice”. Red also has a history with the labor movement.

So what does this mean for us and how can you participate regardless of whether you have the ability to strike or not? According to the Center for American Progress, women spend 150 percent more time on housework than men and more than twice the time men spend on caregiving.

However, one thing’s for sure, they will definitely gain the attention of the media, especially social media. Your voice and your platform have power. Thank you.’And it’s certainly worked.

Striking can take many forms – get creative.

So, International Women’s Day is an important day for me, and one on which I draw inspiration from the fantastic work that has been undertaken by women in our community.

Klementyna Sushanov is the global coordinator who started the International Women’s Strike from Warsaw, Poland, where she’s from.

On the their website, Kilimall is offering discounts of up to 50 percent during the campaign period for select products that appeal to women including fashion, home and living, electronics, smartphones, accessories and bags, among other items.

Still, organizers admit that it will be hard to quantify the effects of the strike because of the factors involved.

Women’s March wrote on its website that the protestors will march for those who cannot attend or give up caring for children.