By Erin King, Green Party of Pennsylvania Steering Committee

“Feminism and Gender Equity” is one of the Green Party’s Ten Key Values. It specifically recognizes how male-dominated political and economic systems, which have been passed down through centuries, significantly lack cultural, spiritual, and moral awareness, retaining a level of rigidity that has resulted in the marginalization of certain groups and stifled any forward-thinking progress, even well into the 21st century. Sadly, yet predictably, the consequences of such antiquated systems, which tend to consistently implement oppressive laws and policies to prevent distinct groups from attaining positions of power, as well as complete autonomy over their own bodies, intentionally deprives many women and LGBTQA+ people around the world of the most basic and vital liberties and safeguards.

This year, International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated on March 8. The date holds a special significance linked to the women’s movement during the Russian revolution of 1917 -- according to the United Nations’ website -- although the recognition and celebration of International Women’s Day dates back as far as 1909.The IWD theme for 2025, as declared by the United Nations, is “Accelerate Action.”

While this theme’s message focuses primarily on taking expeditious steps towards achieving gender equality, it truly is a concept that can readily be applied to nearly every aspect of our lives, as women and girls across the globe reach out to one another in the name of solidarity and empowerment during a time when their struggles accumulate against an ever-growing movement of oppression by the patriarchy.

New year, old challenges.

Worth noting is that each new generation of women must continue to fight for the same rights and protections their mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers worked so fiercely to secure. In America, women’s rights, including those of LGBTQA+ persons, are at the forefront of every election cycle, and 2024 was certainly no different. Gender equality, trans rights, abortion rights, contraception rights, and even the right to affordable and easily accessible menstrual products were up for debate and decision. All too often, the ongoing battles over these fundamental freedoms can feel as though they have been reduced to little more than a mockery by the "powers that be."

One of the most tragic things we’ve seen over the past several years is the treatment of women and girls by the Taliban in Afghanistan, who have, yet again, been robbed of their human right to an education or to walk freely without a male escort. In Ireland, in 2018, women finally won their legal right to abortion care, only to still be hit with tough restrictions that continue to force some women to travel outside the country to safely terminate their unwanted pregnancies. On a more positive note, in 2024, Mexico elected its first female president, who also stems from a Jewish background and has appeared as a force to be reckoned with to anyone looking to undermine her progressive ideals. Lastly, we wholeheartedly recognize the immeasurably monstrous and inhumane suffering that has been illegally and immorally inflicted upon the women and children of Palestine, Sudan, and the Congo.

The enduring strength and resilience of women, internationally, during the most brutal and tumultuous times in history, to date, is both inspirational and shocking to behold. The fight continues, but we need to achieve an extraordinary level of solidarity to win the war.

The Green Party and its political candidates, for whom we campaign and confidently show our support, stand firmly against any and all forms of discrimination and inequality targeting women and LGBTQA+ persons. The Green Party is also committed to grassroots initiatives, which are necessary for growing a solid base of everyday citizens who believe in true democracy and equality without the interference of corporate entities.

Walk proudly. Embrace Green. Remember to stay strong and accelerate action on this International Women’s Day and beyond.
Pennsylvania voters who would like to run for local or county office as a Green Party candidate should contact [email protected].

The Green Party of PA, https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and Twitter, https://twitter.com/GreenPartyofPA.