International Women's Day is always a valuable moment for mobilization, but this March 8, 2024, is undoubtedly even more important. With half the planet heading to the polls for major elections in 2024, feminist movements must come together to stand up to conservative offensives. Transnational solidarity is essential in this regard. Equipop will contribute to this effort on various levels, from West Africa to New York, via France.
Last year, Equipop produced a report that highlighted the phenomenon of backlash against the rights of women and gender minorities. Unfortunately, this context is still entirely relevant in 2024, and is likely to remain so for at least several years. Numerous elections are taking place this year around the world, including the European elections, which are likely to see a rise in support for the far right. In this difficult environment, organizations and activists defending the rights of all must organize in close ranks to achieve progress and/or prevent disastrous setbacks.
In New York, a major challenge surrounding the CSW
The first key event will take place over the next two weeks in New York, with the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Equipop will be present in New York and is circulating a call for signatures strongly urging states to take full responsibility for preserving human rights and promoting gender equality within the United Nations framework.
In West Africa, feminists are making waves
In West Africa, many of Equipop's partner associations and networks are organizing events and campaigns, which we are promoting on March 8. In particular, from the end of February until March 15, the collective "Voix Féministes d'Afrique Francophone" (Feminist Voices of French-speaking Africa) is running the social and political mobilization campaign #CompterPourToutes (Count for All). Developed in 2023 by 16 West African activists as part of the "Young Feminists of West Africa" project, this campaign is now supported by more than 200 feminists who are calling on governments in the region to include a budget line in finance laws for reliable and comprehensive data collection systems on gender-based and sexual violence. Follow and support on X/Twitter: @CompterPrToutes.
Today's and tomorrow's struggles, celebrating victories
In France, Equipop is relaying the call for the feminist strike, which denounces the economic inequalities suffered by women and insists on the need for an intersectional analysis of the socio-political situation. Freedom to control one's own body, the fight against sexist and sexual violence, and the importance of education for equality are central demands of the call. Equipop will also be present at the "sealing ceremony" organized in Paris by the President of the Republic, after Congress on Monday ratified the inclusion of the right to abortion in the Constitution (a world first). This is the culmination of many years of constant mobilization by French feminists. It is also an example of collaboration between associations and institutions that has led to progress for women's rights. With all eyes now turning to Brussels, with a proposed resolution to enshrine the right to abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, it is just as important to take the time to celebrate collective advances as it is to come together for current and future struggles: this is, in fact, the original spirit of International Women's Rights Day.
