Happy International Women's Day!
As with every year, the organisers have set a theme to help further accelerate global gender parity. This year’s theme is #BeBOLDForChange. Personally I think it’s a perfectly timed focus in the current political and social climate. It’s a call to arms for men, women and non-binary people to take bold proactive steps towards gender equality for all.
To make it even easier for us the organisers have broken this down into five pledges:
- Challenge bias and inequality;
- Campaign against violence;
- Forge women’s advancement;
- Celebrate women’s achievement;
- and champion women’s education.
They’re not new or groundbreaking pledges but they are fundamental to creating a more gender inclusive world. Of course, everyone will have their own way of taking on a pledge – in fact the IWD website breaks down each action and gives some examples of mini pledges you guys can do in your everyday lives. As it is International Women’s Day and I’m all about celebrating the achievements of ladies around the world, here are five women who already embody the #BeBOLDForChange moto.
Challenge bias and inequality | Juno Dawson
Young adult author Juno Dawson has never shy-ed away from difficult subject both within her books and outside of fiction through her social media feeds or Glamour magazine column. Whether it’s tackling LGBTQ topics through her various novels (This Book Is Gay and All of the Above), speaking out against Trans Exclusionary Radical “Feminists” (or TERFs), or advocating for mental health, her voice is the embodiment of the #BeBOLDForChange manifesto. (*whispers* I may also be totally biased because I interviewed Juno a few years ago and she is utterly lovely)
Campaign against violence | The women behind the Sister’s Uncut movement
This was the hardest pledge to choose a candidate for, as there are so many organisations and activists out there campaigning against violence against women, men and non-binary people. In terms of impact Sisters Uncut have had some of the most prominent press in the past few years for their political stunts at the Suffragette Premiere, in Trafalgar Square and even back in my old University town. Their manifesto is to ensure self-identifying women are physically, financially and legally supported when faced with domestic violence.
Forge women’s advancement | Ava Duvernay
I have no shame in including Ava in another awesome ladies list (again!). Oscar nominated director Duvernay is not only prominent in the fight to chip away at the Hollywood glass ceiling, she is also committed to championing women in film and media. Through her film independent film distribution company ARRAY she has founded an outlet to support, fund, and allow people of colour to tell their stories. In a time where so few women are hired on and off camera, Duvernay’s work is so important for the advancement of women in the movie and media industry.
Celebrate women’s achievement | Aminatou Sow & Ann Friedman
What more appropriate candidates for this pledge than the two women who have championed Shine Theory. Individually these Sow and Friedman are wonderful role models for champions women and their voices within their respective industries. Sow is the founder of Tech LadyMafia, a global networking initiative supporting women who work ‘in and around the Internet’. Friedman’s journalism work has had her cover a range of feminist topics such as sexual assault, women in pop culture and US politics. They’re are strongest when working together though on their podcast Call Your Girlfriend, where Shine Theory really comes into play.
Champion women’s education | Malala Yousafzai
This woman rarely needs an introduction. The 19 year old is the youngest recipient of the the Nobel Peace Prize and has spent the past few years advocating for education for girls in her native Pakistan and for global access to education. The Malala Fund has raised millions to assist in active learning programmes in Syria, Kenya, Nigeria and Sierra Leon. Malala herself has spoken in front of the UN and dozens of World leaders calling upon them to take up her “books, not bullets” message to heart.
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Of course this is just the smallest sample of incredible, hardworking, feminist activists taking bold and brave steps for the advancement of gender parity. I could have totally listed about a dozen more! Why not leave your comments on the women you feel are also already embodying today’s pledge in the comments below.
Ria Xx
