The
International Women’s Day posts still haven’t quite left our Instagram feeds,
backed up by those from Mothers’ Day, so for the time being we’re still left
with the smiling images of empowered women. But what do these posts of women
that we love and look up to really do anything other than reassure us? And
what’s the point in International Women’s Day if we don’t all act in a feminist
manner in our day-to-day lives? This is why we need to encourage the women and
girls who posted images and yet still slut-shame, belittle and pull down other women
to re-evaluate their behaviour in the spirit of what they say on 9th
March. Because feminism is for life, not just for Christmas
International Women’s Day.
1. Think
again about how you treat women in your life
Are you one
of the women I mentioned earlier who celebrated International Women’s Day but still
pit women against each other, slut shame, and just generally don’t act in a
feminist way most of the time? Re-evaluate your behaviour and make amends in
different ways.
2. Support
women’s charities
We may have
all had our faith in the charity sector shattered somewhat lately, but there
are so many organisations out there doing some amazing work that need our help
and attention. Women’s Aid help women dealing with domestic violence and abuse.
CARE International help refugee women and women globally as well as in the UK.
The Cup Effect and The Bloody Good Period aim to eradicate period poverty
through the distribution of free menstrual products,
3. Keep
politically active
Make sure
you know what’s going on around you and the ever-changing situation you’re a
part of. We need to hold our politicians to account, those we agree with as
well as those we disagree with. The potential for equality to slip is a high
one – it is so easily done, just look at what has happened with Trump in
America. Sign petitions, attend marches, write to your MP and other people in
power, join campaigns that stick with you.
For a place
to start, send my template letter on the need for free menstrual products to be
available for all in order to stop period poverty. You can find it here. If you
have any problems with it, please let me know – I want to be as inclusive as
possible.
4. Don’t
stop discussing women’s achievements and let the younger generations know
Books like
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, Girls Are Best and biographies of famous
women for children, help us educate children, and to show young girls the
amazing things their predecessors have achieved. By empowering the younger
generations, we build a better future for them. If they see people like them
achieving things – being activists and prominent members of society – they will
be able to fill their shoes and more later on. Make the children feminists to
achieve a feminist world.
5. Challenge
the injustices you see
Speak up (if
you are in a safe position to do so) and challenge examples of sexism that you
see. You may not change the perpetrators mind, but you may influence the way
the audience to that act think and act in the future.
6. Listen
This is so
important. Sometimes the right thing to do is to remain quiet, to take in the
experiences of others, those who have less privilege than you, and to let their
voice be heard. Learn more about the real situation of those around you and
lift up their voices and stories so that they come to the forefront of
discussions.
What did
you do for International Women’s Day?
If you liked this post you might like: 5 Forgotten Women of History
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