Why We’re Working on A Day Without A Woman

Today is personal for us here at Hershey Cause Communications. In addition to being International Women’s Day, March 8th has been designated as A Day Without a Woman by the organizers of the historic Women’s March that took place in dozens of cities across the country in January. Today is meant to build on that momentum and recognize the value of all women from all backgrounds.

We have the rare privilege of working at a woman-owned business that has a majority female staff. For nearly 40 years Hershey Cause has been breaking glass ceilings and fighting on the front lines for pay equity, gender equality and LGBTQ rights. But we know that not everyone is as lucky.

The beauty of A Day Without A Woman is it gives us the choice to express ourselves and our desire for equality in our own unique ways. There is a wide spectrum of ways to observe – from refraining from work, refusal to do unpaid labor (dishes, laundry, cooking – historically “women’s work” at home) to supporting woman-owned businesses to wearing red. Not everyone is in a position to take a day off of work but we can all do our part to send the message that women deserve equal pay and adequate family leave. The spectrum of expression is as wide and diverse as the women the make up the U.S.

Businesses and nonprofits can get in on the action too. Even more important than the symbol of standing with women, organizations and corporations should take today to assess their own employment policies. Does your company ensure equal pay for equal work? Do you pay your employees living wages? Does your office provide paid family leave? Ensuring that your organization has equitable employment policies cements your long-term commitment to economic justice and equality.

At Hershey Cause we’re supporting the day by choosing to continue the work we do everyday to advance issues ranging from social justice, racial equality, health care, domestic abuse prevention, LGBT rights and immigration reform. We are also wearing red, and supporting other local woman-owned businesses. We stand in solidarity with those across the county who are demanding justice and equality for women.

The rich history behind International Women’s Day and the exciting momentum of A Day Without A Woman makes today the perfect day to make a statement. Let us know what you are doing to mark the day – we’d love to hear from you.