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HUNDREDS of women and allies in Britain joined the International Women’s Strike today to demand systemic changes that “prioritise the survival and well-being over profit.”
The strike, led by Global Women’s Stike (GWS) and the Women Rising coalition began yesterday and will see a range of actions take place until October 30.
It commemorated the 1975 Icelandic women’s strike where women stop their unwaged and waged work, bringing the country to a halt.
The actions aim to highlight the essential contribution of women, mothers and caregivers in society, advocate for peace, liberation and justice, as well as affirm commitment to women in Palestine to demand an end to all genocides.
In Britain, it kicked off with a banner drop over Westminster Bridge in London with the message: “Women make life, invest in caring not genocide” followed by a march past Parliament, the Home Office, other department buildings.
An afternoon strike also took place in front of the “Imagine Peace” sign in Newcastle.
Tara of the Women Rising coalition, who only gave her first name, said: “The struggles of women, caregivers and those fighting for justice are often overlooked.
“With this strike and by uniting our struggles, we create a louder, more powerful call for change to transform societies.
“This strike is a stepping stone towards the 50th anniversary of the Icelandic women’s strike next year.”
Support not Separation’s Didi, who also only gave her first name, said: “Our group is striking to demand better financial support for mothers enabling families to stay together, the end of forced adoptions and for open family courts.”
And Lisa of Women Against Rape said: “We strike for an end to sexual, domestic and racist violence, including by police and others in authority.
“And an end to poverty and insecure immigration status, which make us more vulnerable to violence.”
More than 27 women-led groups are involved in the action, including Women of Colour in GWS, All African Women’s Group, Disabled Mothers’ Rights Campaign, English Collective of Prostitutes, Fossil Free London, Queer Strike, Extinction Rebellion Families and Tipping Point.
Tomorrow will see a family friendly activity in Trafalgar Square, London, to highlight the invisible labour carried out by women.
A full list of actions can be found on the Women Rising website.
