Women across the nation are planning a “Day Without a Woman” walk-out on March 8, International Women’s Day, to show the country what life would be like if there were no women.
Girl power will gather at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street (the southeast corner of Central Park) on Wednesday for a “show of solidarity and revolutionary love” starting at noon. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks from home to avoid spending money, which the movement hopes will show commercial establishments what business could be like if there were no women. “A Day Without a Woman reaffirms our commitment to thePrinciples of Unity, which were collaboratively outlined for the Women’s March,” according to Women’s March’s website. “We are inspired by recent courageous actions like the ‘Bodega strike’ lead by Yemeni immigrant store owners in New York City and the Day Without Immigrants across the U.S. We applaud the efforts of #GrabYourWallet and others to bring public accountability to unethical corporate practices. “The Women’s March stands in solidarity with theInternational Women’s Strikeorganizers, feminists of color and grassroots groups in planning global actions for equity, justice and human rights.”
RELATED:International Women’s Day may see activism jolt from tumult over Trump Themovement suggeststhat women do not work on March 8, only shop at women- or minority-owned retailers and wear red as an outward sign of solidarity. The website also provides suggestions forlesson plansfor teachers, a list ofcompanies to avoidper by the #template of a letter(below) to your employer explaining why you are taking the day off.
A Day Without A Woman – Time Off Letter by Metro US on Scribd
Menandemployerscan also participate, Women’s March wrote.
The movement has gotten some flack for being “elitist” or “priviledged.” Recognizing that some women might be fired as many were after “Day Without Immigrants,” the group explained “that women of color, women with disabilities, LGBTQIA and gender nonconforming individuals, Muslims and other vulnerable groups are at a much greater risk of employer retaliation.
“We must be diligent and look out for each other, using our privilege on behalf of others when it is called for.
“Social activism is not a privilege. It is a necessity born out of a moral imperative and an imminent threat.”
Women’s March wrote on its website that the protestors will march forthose who can not attend or give up caring for children.
