Today is International Women’s Day. According to its official website, the day is for “celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” Marking this day as such has roots in women’s labor history, women’s suffrage, and women’s equality. Yes, it also has roots in two words considered taboo today: socialism and feminism. So it is not a surprise that the Women’s March on Washington chose today for “A Day Without A Woman,” a strike to demonstrate solidarity with women.
When I first heard about the strike, the activist in me wondered how I might be able to participate. As the managing partner in a new business venture, however, my strike would be fairly meaningless. And so this morning, while wearing red in solidarity, I dropped off my tax documents at a woman-led accounting firm and nearly stopped at a woman-owned donut shop, both of which were open. (Sorry, Bogarts, but the lack of a parking spot and my will power won out over solidarity today.) And as part of my inner contemplation about what it means to have a day without a woman, it finally dawned on me: very few women have the privilege to strike today.
For most women, taking a day off from work means being unable to buy the next meal for their family. It means the children, elders, and others in their care will be left unattended. It means the service they provide doesn’t get done. It means losing their job. Or it means that they themselves will be left out in the cold. A one-day strike for solidarity could simply undo everything they have already achieved. I have never had to worry about these sort of things. If I were still working at my most recent full-time job, I most likely could have taken a day of vacation without repercussion. My former position was one of privilege compared to most of this world’s working women. And for that I am grateful.
And so instead of taking part in social media arguments about whether or not it is appropriate to strike and whether or not women are having their rights taken away by the current administration, I return to celebrating women’s achievements. And there are so many to celebrate! I have had amazing women supporting me physically and emotionally throughout my life. (And before you protest that the men in my life surely had my back, too: yes, they did, but today is for the women so stand down!) My mother, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, nieces, and other family and friends have all taught me—all in their own way—that working hard will ensure you have food on the table and clothes on your back, that hard work was never meant to be easy, that doing something you love can also bring you joy, and that as a woman you will always have to work harder to prove your mettle. They have also taught me that together we women can do anything we put our hearts and minds to.
So, while I support the women who have chosen to participate in the strike today, I also whole-heartedly applaud all of us who are working today. Women have made amazing contributions to our world. And we have done so despite (and in many cases because of) the inequalities we experience solely because of our gender. Today, of all days, it is important to think about the substantial impact women have had on your life and the world in which you live. Make some time today to send some love to the women in your lives. Tell them they make a difference. That you appreciate the role they play in making you a better human being. That you are glad they are part of your life. Because we should always celebrate the achievements of women and, sometimes, we need days like today to remind ourselves that we matter, too.