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To whom it may concern...

Writer's picture: Toluwa AtiladeToluwa Atilade

Happy International Women's Day!


The time has come again when we ponder the footprints we've left behind, the hills we're climbing, and the paths we're carving out for future generations. We learn from each other, shed tears for our struggles and lend our ears and shoulders in solidarity.


To go down memory lane for a brief moment, there was a gathering of women one day in 1910s Copenhagen, Germany. The significant event propelled Women's rights in the Western world forever. Clara Zetkin proposed a day where the voices of women rang out loud unapologetically. Their plights and triumphs were brought to the centre stage, with attendees from all over Europe and the United States. And then, in 1975, the United Nations stepped in the room, declaring 1975 as the International Women's Year. In Mexico City, a vibrant but very necessary conference birthed a hub of voices clamouring for equality, for a seat at the table in research and development. Fast forward to today, more gatherings, more protests and more changer-makers were born and the vision lives on, marked in our calendars every 8th of March.


A brown cardboard sign laying up against a wall on the floor, that says 'women of the world, this is just the beginning!'. In front of the sign is an orange water bottle flask
Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash

The word inspire is a verb, with two meanings. The first meaning is to give someone a strong feeling that they can do something. The second means to breathe in/upon. At first glance #InspireInclusion is a cohesive and well-intended theme. It's an opportunity to reflect on our ideals and practices. This year's festivities (which you can keep track of here) and the hundreds and thousands of heart-hands across social media strikes a chord of optimism. Inspiration undoubtedly serves as a catalyst for change, but if all we do is ignite that spark without putting in the work to keep the fire burning, then what purpose does it truly serve?


To whom it may concern, I urge us to take a moment and explore the intricacies of inclusion, particularly as they extend beyond the familiar narratives of the West. Let us not settle for superficial celebrations or symbolic acts of inclusivity. Our sisters deserve more.

Four women standing in a line with their arms wrapped in each other. Each wearing bright coats, from left to right. Pink, Orange, Fushica and Purple
Photo by Vonecia Carswell on Unsplash

For the purpose of this discussion, it's important to define the terms used. When referring to the 'West', we specifically mean predominately white women whose geographical placement is in Western countries (for example the UK, United States & Europe). These women are also characterised by their privilege in comparison to other social groups. In contrast, when referring to the 'Global Majority or Global South' we specifically reference the women who are non-white and indigenous. Previously categorised as ethnic minorities, from a wide range of religious, cultural and regional backgrounds. Who systemically have less privilege than their counterparts. This distinction acknowledges the complexities and also fluidity of global dynamics in reference to equity.


Let the intention of this note not be misconstrued, it has been no easy feat for the women of the West in achieving all that they have so far. More school-girls are interested in STEM, women are making history in sport (Go Lionesses!) and employers are taking the recruitment and development of Women in leadership roles more seriously. Women all across the world regardless of their characteristics have experienced challenges and deserve to have rights upheld. This letter turns our gaze towards the women who have been on the back-burner for too long. It's imperative that we recognise the need for varied representation. We must honour the richness of shared but not identical narratives, and this is done by including Global Majority Women.


Both in the West and the Global South, global majority women experience the full force of gender-based violence and negligence more than anyone else. From femicide, war and the adultification of young girls to female genital mutilation (FGM), forced famine and the patriarchy, the trauma and loss can engulf and drown them. Those of us in the West have the privilege to opt out of savagery. Our efforts are on workplace inequality and women in STEM (which are important) but I refuse to be silent and let my worldwide sisters fight systemic violence by themselves. We're inspiring inclusion this year right? We need to be relentless in our pursuit of this on all fronts. Women across Asia, Africa and Indigenous lands have been doing their part for gender equality for centuries. Shaped by intersecting factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, and geography, their experiences are overlooked by the mainstream. Though these women don't need our validation, the least we could do is offer genuine support with actions to back it up. Between grassroots, political parties and community action, the possibilities of our assistance is endless. It's time to show, not just tell.


To commemorate International Women's Day let's look at some of the things we can do in areas such as:

  • Grassroots, Charities and Organisations

From the UK to Nigeria to Brazil, there are numerous organisations that are led by and advocating for the development of Global Majority women and girls. We need to channel our efforts into meeting these groups and engaging on their terms.

  • Read, Watch and Listen

There are numerous mediums available to engage with the lived experiences of the women that don't fit the mould of mainstream feminism. It's impossible for these stories to get lost, they're everywhere.

Examples: Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall, The Lightning Dreamer by Margarita Engle

  • People

The world has a plentiful supply of women who are doing the work. On the ground, in schools, in the workplace, everywhere. Hire them. Pay them. Learn from them. From activists to scholars to consultants, they inspire and include all the same.


It must be clear that all the answers and plays to ensure women and girls everywhere are liberated to the point where we won't need to schedule out a day, are not found in this post. But let this be a chance for you and others to be inspired. To talk, listen and act. We're still standing tall but let us raise those around us and let them stand on our shoulders. This is for the women and girls in Congo. Palestine. India. Syria. Gambia. Yemen. Ghana. Everywhere. This is a letter of love and solidarity to the Women of the Global Majority. You will always be included.


If you have any comments please share below. What is one thing you are taking with you? What do you need from IWD? Feel free to contact me info.toluwa@gmail.com 

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