March 8th International Women’s Day: #DayWithoutAWoman
What is #DayWithoutAWoman?
Every year, March 8th’s International Women’s Day is observed around the world to bring attention to women’s issues, women’s rights and to celebrate womanhood in general. Due to the highly politicized nature of our current democracy, many women are using this day to show solidarity against President Trump and his administration. Women are taking a day off of work and flocking to the streets to stand up for issues they feel may be compromised by new policy measures and decreased funding to agencies that serve as a lifeline to many women. In addition to staying home from work and participating in marches around the world, women are being asked to wear red and avoid shopping to bring awareness to #DayWithoutAWoman.
According to the United States Department of Labor’s report entitled “Women in the Labor Force in 2010,” women account for nearly half of workers in management and professional occupations.
If every woman skipped work on March 8th, imagine how these fields would be affected:
Women make up:
- 91% of registered nurses
- 82% of elementary and school teachers
- 73% of medical and health service managers
- 67% of psychologists
- 66% of tax examiners
- 63% of education administrators
- 61% of advertising and promotion managers
- 60% of accounts and auditors
- 60% of public relation managers
- 59% of insurance underwriters
- 54% of medical scientists
- 53% of financial managers
–United States Department of Labor
But does this day exclude low-wage workers and women of color?
Is this a strike for all women, or privileged white women? Some argue that #DayWithoutAWoman is for the privileged few and will deeply exclude low-wage fields that are disproportionately occupied by women and women of color. What about the women who cannot afford to take this day off and depend on each day’s salary to make a living? Does this strike primarily give a platform to elite women in professional careers, management and decision-making roles? Who represents the unrepresented women that aren’t privileged enough to participate and how can they join the cause?
How can I help if I can’t take the day off?
Every woman can make an impact! If you cannot take the day off, Bustle.com lists additional ways for you to show solidarity:
- Don’t shop
- Wear red
- Spread the word through social media
- Make a donation
- Sign a petition
- Call your representative
To learn more about International Women’s Day and the march, please visit their website.
To find International Women’s Day events by you, please visit their events page.
Share this blog if you want to promote International Women’s Day on March 8th!
