We at the Solidarity Economy Association are supporting the Women’s Strike on 8 March, with several of our worker members taking part. Actively participating in action with movements that share our values is an essential part of creating a thriving solidarity economy for the UK – an economy based on justice, diversity and pluralism, co-operation, self-management, ecological sustainability, and solidarity.
For us, building a solidarity economy means creating just and sustainable economic systems that put people and the planet first; confronting all systems of oppression, and engaging in active solidarity with all people and groups who are bearing the brunt of injustice, exploitation, and ecologically-damaging practices; and co-operating with those who share our values, recognising there is no single ‘right way’ to build a solidarity economy.
Whilst women around the world – particularly women of colour – are the most negatively impacted by our current exploitative economic system, women are also at the forefront of the international solidarity economy movement. According to Ripess (the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy), 66% of those involved in the SSE (Social and Solidarity Economy) in Europe are women; in Canada, it’s 70%, and in Africa, it’s 80%. Women’s economic contributions – whether that’s in terms of unmonetized work like caring and household work, or in leading the transformation to a more just economic system – are still being overlooked.
The Women’s Strike is a strike for solidarity between women – women of colour, indigenous, working class, disabled, migrant, Muslim, lesbian, queer and trans women. The strikes on the 8 March are an opportunity for us to meet in cities and towns across the UK and strike against a system of power that keeps us isolated and divided from one another.
We encourage our friends and supporters to join us – the Women’s Strike Assembly are organising events around the UK on 8 March, which include:
- Derry – 1pm, Guildhall Square
- Cardiff – 1pm, Job Centre, 64 Charles Street and 5pm, Central Library
- Liverpool – 5pm, Leece Street
- Bristol – 5pm, Water Foundations
- Leeds – 12pm, Briggate and 4:30pm, Bridge Street Church
- London – 5pm, Bank of England
- Brighton – 6pm, Clock Tower
- Edinburgh – 6pm, Parliament Square
- Sex/Work Strike – 7pm, Leicester Square, London
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