RISING on International Women's Day - A Global Recap
3/14/2017
OBR Philippines/Gabriela March 8th Rise/Strike action outside the US Embassy in Manila featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal (Europe Edition). Rise and Strike Against Imperialism, Facism, Feudalism and Bureaucrat Capitalism. Rise and Strike for Jobs, Land, Justice and Peace!
One Billion Rising activists and organizers took to the streets in force for International Women's Day. In a time that requires radical resistance and revolutionary love we saw the call for Solidarity Against the Exploitation of Women in action as workers, youth, artists, and community members and leaders RISE. Take a look at some of the events in their local context:
Activists in Bali, Indonesia held a "Women Strike Against Discrimination, Corrupt Systems and Exploitation" event in commemoration of International Women's Day with a demonstration in front of dozens of activists at the Bali governor's office. The action was led by students, mothers - many of who are members of the National Student Front as well as members of the Alliance of Women Bali and One Billion Rising Bali.
OBR Croatia, led by OBR Croatia and OBR Europe coordinator Rada Boric, held a Women Rising Against Poverty Action on International Women's Day in Zagreb. The protest highlighted the tougher socio-economic conditions that women of all ages are now facing in Croatia. The protest is "a reminder that neo-conservative ideology needs to be fought stronger than ever, as they are diving deeply into the fundamental rights of women and girls"
OBR Guatemala Rising on International Women's Day "Because the Rising celebrates our achievements and our lives!"
OBR India coordinators Sangat and Jagora Grameen, lead International Women's Day efforts in Delhi, together with other leading women's and people's organizations – Rising to resist Patriarchy, And Rising Against Hatred and Violence!
On March 11, 2017 the Tambourine Army hosted Jamaica’s first Survivor Empowerment March, organized and participated in by One Billion Rising Jamaica organizers and activists. Along the route there were four stops that allowed women who are survivors of violence to speak their stories of survival and triumph. The women were supported in their stories by a spirit-centred drumming group and empowering and uplifting music from Tanya Stephens, Keisha Fimm and Etana. At the rally in Half Way Tree, the Tambourine Army presented their 20-Point Action Plan for Change to end sexual violence and violence against women and girls.
Cancun celebrates International Women's Day with a huge Rising, led by long time OBR advocate and acclaimed singing star Manoella Torres – who sings the Spanish version of the OBR theme "Break The Chain". Manoella Torres has been touring the country with OBR and "Break The Chain" for the last five years, since OBR began.
One Billion Rising Mongolia held an "Artivizm: Art and Activism in Mongolia" event as part of the OBR global campaign and International Women's Day celebration on 2 March. Through an exhibition of photographs, OBR Mongolia through the Beautiful Hearts Organization, organized family and sexual violence victims and survivors to address their experiences and feelings of fear, suffering and loss.
Rozan and Insan Foundation organised a day long programme in the new Rozan building in Islamabad. In the second half of the day, attended by students and NGO activists, activists paid their tributes to Nigar Ahmad, celebrated and discussed One Billion Rising and had a discussion on gender, patriarchy and Feminism.
The Guardian hosted a panel discussion as part of One Billion Rising and International Women's Day. Joining Guardian columnist Zoe Williams for an inclusive discussion on what can be learned from protest movements globally and practical steps to bring about change was a panel that included Rada Boric, regional campaign coordinator of the One Billion Rising Revolution, Anushka Asthana, the Guardian's joint political editor, Labour MP Stella Creasy and Deborah Frances-White, comedian, writer and host of The Guilty Feminist podcast.
On 11 March, OBR Zimbabwe made a claim to boldness in line with the International Women's day theme "Be Bold for change " and OBR's theme on solidarity against the exploitation of women and girls. Activists rose, danced, and played rugby to assert their claim to boldness.
Women Workers from multiple sectors including restaurant workers, Walmart workers, nurses, teachers and more were joined by thousands of allies at the Department of Labor and John Marshall Park for a powerful RISING. The event was widely covered in the media, livestreamed on Facebook by V-Day and Think Progress, and our hashtag #WomenWorkersRising trended on Twitter in the D.C. area.
Presented by One Billion Rising in Coalition with Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, the African American Policy Forum, American Federation of Teachers, Family Values @ Work, International Labor Rights Forum, Jobs with Justice, National Nurses United, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Organization for Women, OUR Walmart, Good Jobs Nation.
"It happened as part of International Women's Day, during which women around the world rallied, went on strike, and otherwise took action for equal rights. With its focus on labor rights, Women Workers Rising spoke directly to one of Wednesday's larger goals: building a "feminism for the 99 percent." - Deirdre Fulton, staff writer at Common Dreams.
READ 'Women United Will Never Be Divided': Workers Rise for Labor Rights in full >
VIEW more images from Women Workers Rising in the event Photo Blog >
WATCH Women Workers Rising video series from the event:
Ellen Bravo of Family Values at Work >
Girshriela Green from OurWalMart >
Ingrid Vaca of National Domestic Workers Alliance >
Saru Jayaraman of ROC United & Eve Ensler of 1BillionRising/V-Day >
More videos coming soon
READ additional coverage of the event:
Women rally for workplace equality >
Women Workers Rising swells support for women's rights >
"A Day Without a Woman" Takes to the Streets of DC >
Women Workers Rising by AFT President Randi Weingarten >