Don’t look for us at the store on Thursday, March 8, because we won’t be there. This March 8, all of us will take part in the women’s strike that will fill and overflow the cities as women rise up with one voice. On Thursday, we want to stop the world and join the movement that has already shaken more than 170 countries, demanding genuine equality in rights and opportunities.
On Thursday, we want to stop the world to say “enough”. Enough of earning less for the same work, of precarious employment, of glass ceilings that limit our advancement in companies. Enough of deaths, abuse, and walking down the street in fear.
We want to be free, we want to dress however we please without being judged, and we want people to stop blaming us for sexual assaults. We want the day to come when it is unthinkable to say, “She brought it on herself by wearing such a short skirt.”
On Thursday, we want to stop the world and join hands in this women’s strike. To support one another, to answer the call of those who are made invisible and discriminated against. To learn the vibrant meaning of sorority: solidarity, harmony, and mutual recognition that we are all one, that when one of us is attacked, we are all attacked.
At the end of the post, you’ll find a gift that, for us, symbolizes all these things.
This is a general strike, supported for the first time by all the unions. That means it is legal, registered with the Ministry of Employment, and that YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to 24 hours of strike action.
It is being called across all areas: work, education, consumption, and caregiving. We know that many women won’t be able to stop, that they won’t accept the moral burden of leaving those who need care without it. That’s why there are many ways to support this women’s strike, depending on your situation:
- Two-hour stoppages in the productive activity of the sector where you work: starting at 12:00 and/or starting at 16:00.
- Don’t open your store or business: we know it’s hard to keep it afloat (believe us) and that closing for a day isn’t easy, but the streets of your city will be full of women who understand that too and can support you.
- Refrain from consuming anything that isn’t essential: both products and services.
- Attend the scheduled demonstrations.
- Attend the rallies held at city halls at 12:00.
- If you work at home or can’t attend the demonstrations, hang an apron in the window to show your support.
Symbols seem important to us, and when it comes to feminism, the symbol most familiar to us is the image of Rosie the Riveter. She is a symbol of the women who kept U.S. factories running during World War II and were displaced from their jobs when the men returned. Even though they wanted to continue working in paid jobs, they were once again relegated to the domestic sphere.
This headband we’re showing you how to make is in her honor and in honor of all of us: mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, friends, colleagues, sisters. Working women, caregivers, homemakers, the strong, the invisible, the broken, the brave… each and every one of us. Make as many headbands as you can and give them to your coworkers—wear them proudly!
Here’s the pattern to download and the video tutorial. And never forget that “when we stop, the world stops.” We love you all!
Download the headband pattern here
And now hit play to make the headband with us. In the video, Laura used the red polka-dot fabric, but you know what? You can use whichever one you want, because you’re free and powerful ;)