See details of upcoming events taking place across the country March 8th - March 12

On Saturday, March 5, WORD San Francisco held a speak out at 24th and Mission Streets to celebrate International Women’s Day. Organizers and supporters stood in the rain to spread the word about the struggles women have been involved in historically, as well as the fights we are still engaged in to demand full equality. The event included not just speakers, but also a drumming batucada (feminist noise) and a musical performance by activist/artist Vixen Noir.

While some sexist passers-by paused to harass the speakers and participants, many more stopped to support what was being said. High school WORD organizer Ruby Elson spoke against the idea that as women we are obligated to respond to any man with pleasantries. “I’m 17, and in my high school I know many people who have been sexually assaulted…We don’t owe anyone anything. Not a smile, not a giggle, not our time.” Others decried the attacks on abortion access, discrimination in the work place, racism and the effects from gentrification. Tribute was paid to Berta Cáceres, the indigenous environmental organizer from Honduras who was murdered in her home two days before the event.

The connection was also made repeatedly that this is a struggle that men need to start understanding. Sexism does damage to all genders, and as long as it survives, it keeps us divided. As Lulu Reboyoso, of El Colectivo por Justicia en Mexico, said, “It’s not a fight against them. It’s a fight against a system.” Frank Lara, a Mission District teacher and ANSWER organizer, added on to that. “Men, instead of trying to be helpful, we’re often an additional weight,” he said. “It’s the women who have fought and struggled…the men need to get with the program.”

The event concluded with a call of resistance against to those who try to deny women rights by WORD organizer, Claire Schlecht. “Maybe they mean that we are asking for something that we don’t deserve. I think they’re wrong.” Participants wrapped up chanting: “Se ve! Se eschucha! Mujeres en la lucha! They say “get back”, we say “FIGHT BACK!”

International Women's Day: List of events

On International Women’s Day and throughout the month, WORD (Women Organized to Resist and Defend) will be organizing and supporting rallies, marches, speak-outs, forums, workshops and panels to “Say no to the status quo—full equality for all women!” Join us in cities across the country Tuesday, March 8 - Saturday, March 12, 2016.

On March 5 in Los Angeles, WORD was one of 96 organizations that endorsed an International Women's Day March & Rally organized and led by AF3IRM LA that drew approximately 1,500 people.

Join WORD March 8 - March 12 in a city near you or call an action in your city and add it to the list!

Upcoming Event Listing:

Albuquerque, NM
International Women's Day Speak-Out
Tuesday, Mar. 8th, 5:30 p.m.
1st & Central Streets
Sponsored by WORD Albuquerque
Info: [email protected]
For more info and to RSVP

New York, NY
No Más Bebés Film Screening
Friday, Mar. 11th, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Justice Center En El Barrio
1637 Park Ave.
Co-sponsored by WORD NYC
Info: [email protected] or 347-292-WORD (9673)
For more info and to RSVP

New Haven, CT
Stand With Planned Parenthood for International Women's Day!
Saturday, Mar. 12th, 9 a.m.
Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
345 Whitney Ave.
Sponsored by WORD New Haven
Info: [email protected] or 203-787-8232
For more info and to RSVP

New York, NY
Street Speak Out in Honor Of International Women's Day
Saturday, Mar. 12th, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
East Harlem: 116th and Lexington Ave. Streets 
Co-sponsored by WORD NYC 
Info: [email protected] or 347-292-WORD (9673)
For more info and to RSVP