Advocacy for women’s rights continues to be a catalyst for social progress.
As we near International Women’s Day on March 8, it’s important to take a moment to consider the impact activism for women’s rights has had—and to emphasize its ongoing necessity.
In Canada, many groups have long advocated the rights of women. From the suffrage movement to groups like the Disabled Women’s Network Canada (DAWN), the Canadian Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Law (1974) to the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (2005), there has been persistent pressure to empower women with autonomy and agency over their bodies.
That said, activism shouldn’t be constrained or limited to protests and marches. We should be active through art, literature, media, and any other pathway available. The best feminist advocacy must be intersectional and inclusive, acknowledging the diverse needs of individuals belonging to various identities.
Indigenous feminism exemplifies both these values, encoming discussions of sexuality, gender, gender norms, and colonial history, all of which profoundly influence Indigenous peoples’ lives. Activists like Beth Brant and Maria Campbell employ poetry, literature, and performance to talk about their lived experiences while giving a voice to the experiences of some Indigenous peoples.
The more stories people share about their experiences, the more it moves the consciousness of the public to want change and make it happen.
Latin America is another rich example of constant activism for women’s rights and human rights in general. Activists from Latin America have used creative and legal ways to pursue activism for women’s rights.
Movements such as “Ni Una Menos,” which originated in Argentina as a response to gender-based violence, and The Green Wave, advocate for abortion access throughout Latin America. The latter is named for the green bandanas its wear.
According to the Centre for Reproductive Rights, The Green Wave has made significant efforts in advancing reproductive rights in the diverse region. In 2021, The Supreme Court of Mexico declared the absolute criminalization of abortion unconstitutional. In 2023, Mexico’s highest court ruled to decriminalize abortion nationwide at the federal level.
These legal changes didn’t happen overnight. They were the culmination of activists’ persistent efforts and demands for action. We should use our history and global examples to advance and keep advocating for women’s rights.
Gender-based violence remains a contemporary concern. According to a 2021 study, almost one in three women across the world have experienced some form of violence at least once in their lifetime. In the pursuit of a just and equal world, the fight for women’s rights and bodily autonomy must never come to an end.
On this International Women’s Day and every day that follows, stand with all women and all of humanity. Advocate women’s rights to continue building a world where women’s rights, autonomy, and agency are protected.
Meghrig is a second-year philosophy student and one of The Journal’s Assistant News Editors.
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