International Women’s Day 2023
The JLP recognizes International Women’s Day 2023.The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is Every Woman Counts. And if every woman counts, then a global perspective must be taken when combatting sexism.
Intersectionality is the concept that the ways in which people experience inequality often interplay. Many women in Canada experience sexism as well as other forms of prejudice and inequality. Racism is affected by sexism is affected by ableism is affected by homophobia. Women – all women – bring their whole selves to their lives, and cannot leave their skin colour, for example, at the door. Sexism in Canada intersects with racism, class inequality and other social stigmas. Though every woman does indeed count, every woman does not experience sexism in the same way. It is nuanced by their experience of homophobia, racism, and class prejudice.
Sexism is not a monolith. Sexism can be subtle, can be nuanced, and is constantly at play in intersectionality. If we want to live in a world without sexism, we must work towards a world free of other forms of prejudice and oppression as well.
Today, we acknowledge that no discrimination should be tolerated and that all forms of oppression intersect. Women of colour, Black women, Indigenous women, trans women, working women, disabled women, all have a right to live in a world free of discrimination. Every woman counts.
The JLP is committed to facilitating some of the difficult discussions around inclusion, intersectionality, and sexism. You can learn more about intersectionality and its effects in the JLP’s guided discussion, Anti-Racism: Let’s Talk!