Why International Women's Day doesn't matter
International Women's Day doesn't matter. It is just another day when big brands will post girlboss choice feminist advertisements, where male world leaders will "stand in solidarity," and women will continue to be oppressed. Feminism does matter. Almost all of the world's women are still subjugated. Many endure lives filled with male violence. In war and occupation, women still pay the heaviest price, becoming even more susceptible to sexual and reproductive violence. Those of us who are relatively very fortunate compared to other women around the globe still cannot walk in our home towns and cities without fear or obstacle, are hindered from pursuing our academic passions, and are still susceptible to violence.
I am still aware, however, that the difference between a life where my obstacles (which are, of course, still relevant and worth fighting against) are misogyny in the workplace, or lack of representation in parliament, and a life in a part of the world where women's obstacles include female genital mutilation, forced child marriage, war, occupation and apartheid, is unquantifiably enormous. As I write this, I know that there is a woman my age, who has academic ability in abundance, and talents which far exceed mine, who will never be allowed to finish secondary school. And there are women who will watch their homes destroyed by bombing. And those who will be married against their will. It is difficult to be hopeful about the liberation of women when the reality is so bleak.
Women in the "western" world are not free either - while we may live in countries with some legal advancements, women are still living in fear of their lives. One in four women in the United Kingdom will face domestic violence in their lifetimes, with the same proportion being raped after the age of 16. Women have fought and died for their liberation for centuries, and have never been granted it. We are still not seen as people. The condition of women does not warrant a special day, or even just a simple protest, but a complete overturning of the systems which oppress us. If this day is to have any impact at all, let it be to inspire you to be part of that change.
