Celebrating International Women's Day: A Call to Action

Celebrating days like today is more important now than ever as we experience a dramatic shift in oppression. From restrictions on reproductive healthcare to policies that undermine voting rights and diversity efforts, the fight for gender equality remains urgent.

One of the most significant rollbacks in women's rights comes in the form of attacks on reproductive healthcare. President Trump signed Executive Order 14182, titled "Enforcing the Hyde Amendment," reinforcing federal restrictions on abortion. Several states have enacted stringent abortion bans, some without exceptions for rape or incest. These laws have led to increased infant mortality rates and significantly restricted women's access to reproductive healthcare.

Another legislative threat comes with the introduction of the Secure America's Voting and Elections (SAVE) Act by Representative Chip Roy. This act mandates in-person voter registration and requires proof of citizenship through specific documentation, such as a passport or birth certificate. Many citizens, particularly married women who have changed their surnames, may face disenfranchisement due to discrepancies between their birth certificates and current names. Critics argue that this legislation could disproportionately affect millions of married women and other marginalized groups by imposing stringent documentation requirements that many may find difficult to meet.

Additionally, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under attack. Recent changes have included removing DEI sections from reports, ending goals for minority representation, halting specific DEI programs, and reducing participation in diversity indexes. These rollbacks threaten workplace equality and may hinder women's advancement in various industries.

In a world where I have been asked, "What is a woman?" as a way of initiating hate speech and discrimination against transgender women, it is crucial that we stand united. Cisgender, transgender, and gender non-conforming—women exist in many forms, and there are no bounds or rules defining what a woman is. A woman is an astronaut, a police officer, a stay-at-home mom. A woman can be anything she wants. She is tall, muscular, petite, curvy, or not—there is no set shape, style, or measurement, and that is beautiful. A woman is a leader, empowered, and audacious in her authenticity and pursuit of her own definition of herself. A woman cannot be reduced to a simple definition, and she is certainly not just "someone with XX chromosomes.". Impacts of Executive Order 14168

Today and every day, I choose to celebrate the women who empower other women. Women who believe that strength lies in collaboration, not competition, in the pursuit of shared goals and success. Women who do not perpetuate the narrative that beauty is defined by weight, height, or societal standards but instead recognize beauty in diversity. I celebrate the women who create safe spaces and support networks for young women growing into themselves, those still figuring out what it means to be a woman, and those who do not shame other women for choosing different paths—whether that means not wanting children or wanting to stay home to raise them.

Women deserve to be celebrated not just today but every day. Here are tangible ways you can make a difference for women, especially in times like these:

1. Mentorship and Networking – Offer guidance, career advice, and connections to other women in your industry or community to help them advance professionally.

   
   

2. Advocating for Fair Policies – Support equal pay, parental leave, and workplace protections for women by speaking up in your workplace and supporting policies that promote gender equity.

   
   

3. Promoting and Supporting Women-Owned Businesses – Choose to shop from women-owned businesses, highlight their work on social media, and recommend them to others.

   
   

4. Creating Safe Spaces for Women – Foster inclusive, supportive environments where women feel heard and valued, whether in workplaces, social settings, or online communities.

   
   

5. Be a Voice Against Sexism – Speak up when you witness discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment of women in the workplace, at home, or in public spaces.

   
   

6. Share Opportunities – Whether it's a job opening, scholarship, funding, or training program, pass along opportunities to other women who could benefit from them.

   
   

7. Support Women’s Health and Well-being – Advocate for accessible healthcare, share resources on mental and physical health, and encourage self-care and well-being.

   
   

8. Recognize and Credit Women’s Work – Acknowledge and amplify the contributions of women in your workplace, creative projects, and everyday life to ensure they get the recognition they deserve.

   
   

9. Raise the Next Generation to be Supportive – Teach young people (of all genders) about gender equality, encourage girls to be confident, and model behaviors that uplift and empower women.

   
   

On this International Women's Day, I commit to continuous action. Let’s challenge oppressive policies, uplift women in all spaces, and ensure that the fight for equality remains a priority. Women deserve recognition, support, and empowerment—today and every day.