Women have long led the struggle for equal rights across movements — from voting to LGBTQ+ equality. And yet, women continue to bear unequal burdens, with women of color being hit particularly hard by economic, public health, and other inequities. As you celebrate Women’s History Month, emphasize the vital role that women have played in the struggle for racial justice, economic opportunity, and inclusive democracy. Cite the values of equity and voice.
Tag: reproductive justice
Dr. George Tiller
On this day in 2009, Dr. George Tiller was assassinated in Wichita, Kansas. Tiller was the medical director of Women’s Health Care Services and was targeted by anti-abortion extremists. Use the anniversary of Tiller’s death to uplift the work of reproductive justice and the deadly consequences of legislation that restricts access to abortion. Cite the values of equity, economic opportunity, and community.
“Ain’t I a Woman?” Speech
On this day in 1851, Sojourner Truth made her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech at the Women’s Rights Convention held in Akron, Ohio. Today, scholars see the speech as an intersectional critique of single-issue activism. It’s also an important anniversary in light of recent abortion bans passed at the state level and their potential impact on people of color. Use the values of voice, equity, and community to discuss this anniversary.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is an important time to discuss economic and racial justice for families. Past campaigns include creative interventions to share more inclusive “Mama’s Day” cards, release mothers from jail while advocating for an end to money bail, or oppose the separation and detention of families arriving at our borders. Celebrate the values of equity, economic opportunity, and community.
March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Equal Rights and Liberation
On this day in 1993, the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Equal Rights and Liberation became one of the largest protests in American history with more than one million participants. “Transgender” was omitted from the title because organizers failed to gain support for its addition. Cite the values of community and voice when discussing this anniversary.
Lesbian Visibility Week
Today is also the kickoff of Lesbian Visibility Week. In 2008, Diva Publisher Linda Rily celebrated the first Lesbian Visibility Day, which later became a weeklong celebration that aims to celebrate ALL LGBTQI+ women and non-binary people. Use this hook to discuss intersectionality and racial and economic justice by citing the values of economic opportunity, community, and voice.
