International Women’s Day (IWD) has been a significant observance since the early 1900s when women, having endured enough oppression, united to demand change. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City advocating for better wages, shorter working hours, and the right to vote. They sought recognition, respect, and fair acknowledgment for their contributions. This struggle resonates even today.
As society evolved, women began advocating for body autonomy and reproductive rights, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities alongside men. Concepts like feminism, gender equality, and parity emerged to challenge sexism and misogyny. However, even in progressive spaces, a critical flaw remains: the focus often remains on cisgender women, sidelining the experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals.
Gender parity typically refers to measurable ratios between men and women in various sectors, such as income and education. Yet, true equality transcends mere numbers; it encompasses how individuals perceive and treat one another. Biases and stereotypes still undermine these efforts, operating under the flawed assumption that gender is strictly binary. This perspective is a significant shortcoming within many feminist movements, which often neglect the voices of transgender women and non-binary folks.
Including transgender and non-binary individuals in discussions surrounding IWD would greatly enhance the movement against patriarchal systems dominated by cisgender men. Transgender women are women and should be recognized without needing to justify their identity. Unfortunately, some radical feminists attempt to exclude them, perpetuating harmful notions that undermine the essence of womanhood.
It’s also essential to advocate for transgender men and their right to be part of the IWD conversation. Many transgender men have firsthand experiences of discrimination, having been perceived as women at some point in their lives. Their stories matter and should be included in advocacy efforts, especially regarding reproductive rights.
Transgender men and non-binary individuals may have unique health needs, yet they often face barriers to accessing necessary healthcare. Many can conceive and give birth, highlighting the need for inclusive reproductive rights language that acknowledges all individuals with uteruses, not just cisgender women. This year’s IWD theme is #ChoosetoChallenge, and I urge everyone to broaden the definition of equality to include equity and inclusivity.
How can we empower women and girls if we exclude transgender women and girls? If autonomy over one’s body is a right for women, then we must also fight against the policing of transgender bodies. We must bring attention to the violence faced by transgender individuals, particularly Black transgender women, who experience marginalization within both society and feminist movements.
Gender equality must extend beyond a heteronormative framework to ensure that all genders have equal opportunities. Including transgender and non-binary people on International Women’s Day does not diminish womanhood; it strengthens the fight against sexism and the patriarchy. Otherwise, IWD merely becomes another celebration for cisgender women, sending a harmful message that excludes transgender identities.
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- International Women’s Day and Trans Rights
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- Reproductive Rights for Transgender Individuals
- Understanding Non-Binary Identities
- Feminism Beyond the Binary
In summary, International Women’s Day must evolve to embrace and uplift all individuals, regardless of gender identity. By fostering inclusivity, we can create a more equitable society and effectively challenge the structures of oppression that affect everyone.