Ways to Take Action on International Women’s Day and Beyond
We all know the world is bigger than our backyard. But stress has a way of shrinking us into these bubbles of survival. On this International Women’s Day and beyond, we cannot forget, no matter how much we face in our individual lives, that we belong to each other. As writer and poet Gwendolyn Brooks told us decades ago: “We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.”
While the current administration within the U.S., and governments throughout the world attempt to silence the voices of women and girls, especially those most marginalized because of disability, race and ethnicity, etc., we must continually take action, advocating like a mother. As Greta Thunberg, a neurodivergent climate activist, insists: “Once we start to act, hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope, look for action. Then, and only then, hope will come.”
Uplifting Sustainable Ways to Take Action on International Women’s Day & Beyond:
- Learn and Unlearn by Listening to Disabled Voices: We cannot begin to unlearn ableism without listening to disabled voices. Read books by disabled writers (absolutely love this list curated by a disability rights activist, Daphne Frias), explore offerings like The Neurodiversity Podcast, follow and learn from disabled activists and advocates on social media (some of my favs are on this list), @neurodivergentlou.
We must also understand disability is experienced differently based on your identities, as Imani Barbarin (@crutches_and_spice) once said: "Black, Indigenous, and disabled people of color experience the world at the intersection of racism and ableism, and no matter how uncomfortable it to hear, we as a community must listen to and validate those experiences.”
My dear friend and fellow Mama warrior Jenna James, intersectional activist and founder of @chroniclyconnectedperspective makes a powerful point:
“The disabled community is the one marginalized community that everyone will eventually become a part of. No age, race, gender, [or] class status can offer refuge. Anyone can suddenly become disabled from illness or injury and aging. Yet, it is one of the most overlooked forms of discrimination being forced upon a rapidly growing demographic.
What immense healing could come from normalizing disability? What diverse experiences and minds would suddenly be contributing to the growth and understanding of our society, rather than labeled a drain on it?
How many more could be contributing to our economy if remote work was factored into our workforce, as it was during the brief period of global quarantine when able bodied people got a glimpse into the isolation and difficulties of disabled life? There was a gift of insight and answers granted and immediately forgotten.”
You can read the rest of Jenn’s post here @chroniclyconnectedperspective.
Jenna James, educational outreach worker and intersectional activist. Follow her work @chroniclyconnectedperspective
