The UN creates a theme for each IWD; this time it is "Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture It!" I truly believe this was no coincidence, having such a theme today. When working in the movement and via social media, we can still see there is a patriarchy within the various movements, including Women's Rights.
A few things that saddens any feminist/womanist is still feeling the repercussions of this androgynous society. Males are still valued more by the dollar that we only see 73cents of. Legislation banning late term abortions is their way of saying it actually isn't our choice. Meninists, by the way whoever came up with that name is a complete douchebag, feel the need to retaliate against the marks feminists are making for liberation, as oppose to meninists being egoistical and appearing to suffer from a superior complex. Even men in the movement can belittle our battle by engaging in conversations that can shame or undermine their sisters. Also the lack of urgency when a woman is brutalized or killed by the police shows the idleness in our cause. And of course there is still a patriarchy within women ourselves, as we see white women being heard out more while black women are ignored even by their counterparts. We must all become conscientious of these issues to rid of them. I believe this regards why the theme is about empowerment. Once women are empowered we will reach the world. There are more women on earth and they have proven to scientifically have higher capacities then men when it comes to multitasking and intellectual growth. The wisest words are somewhere in the mouth of a girl who has been silenced by male oppression. Once womyn are empowered, they will in fact empower humanity because we are that humanity that can change the world.
Women are complex to a capacity unknown because we aren't at a liberty to uncap that potential yet. We are still under a male government, though hopefully in this next election that will soon shift. The fear of what women can do as mothers, employees and humanitarian is what seems to make men try to revert the progress we've made. Well they can try to hold us back as much as they want, but if we look at women like Harriet Tubman, Friday Kahlo, Fannie Lou Hamer, The Maribel Sisters, Paulette Poujol-Oriol, Assata Shakur and so many more, they'll realize it is an unavailing fight. Woman have always been at the forefront of countless victories on the road to freedom. Many will never be recognized for it; many will never have a written legacy. That's what we can change today.
One thing we always talk about in Dream Defenders is changing the narrative. With so many women taking charge of protests, we must record their stories. With all the women controlling local and state government we must celebrate it. Women of color such as myself that use writing as an outlet of expression, must talk about what is happening today, what our sisters and mothers are doing. It is finally time to write herstory. During the 200 year anniversary, will people be embracing the holiday? Or will it be just another day? That is all dependent on us. What we do today will show how our tomorrow will be. And I don't know about you, but I want it to look as lovely as my fellow womyn!
So to all my womban, know you are beautiful, strong, smart, and powerful. Remember that the self doubt is just fear of how amazing you truly are. Don't worry about being too good anymore. Don't dumb yourself down, paint them a different picture and bite your tongue for their egos anymore. We are life bearers and food providers. We are the lands pride. We are a beautiful process. Do not let men continue to be your validation, which I have to listen to myself on that one. All in all, we are greatness and once we gather together we are unstoppable. Love your fellow womyn and be that unstoppable force our ancestors showed us to be.
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