On Women’s Day

On Women’s Day

Today, March 8, we women are marking this day to remember the hard-fought victories of our foremothers and the continuing struggle of our sisters and brothers for life in its fullness.

We hold this day as a sacred day for women as we look back and recall the voices of our foremothers whose message echoes our cries today —

“Never again” to silently accept exploitation!

“Never again” to quietly approve police dispersal!

“Never again” to be unknown and invisible members of society!

One hundred forty-nine (149) years ago, poor and struggling women workers in New York courageously marched in the streets to protest their inhumane conditions. They were violently dispersed by the police. But they were not cowed and silenced. They never gave up the fight and grew weary. The fruit of their labor and perseverance is what we have now: the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.

Hallowed is this day for women for this is a product of women’s untiring fight for justice, determination, passion, love, hopeful act and willpower to assert their rights. The women then heralded their common cause up to the international level. In the spirit of solidarity and unity, we now commemorate International Women’s Day.

Kairos! It is revealed and affirmed that women’s place is no longer confined in the kitchen and in the market, in the prayer rooms and in the laundry area, they are no longer to be treated only as child bearers and rearers, they are not only to be considered as men’s accessories. They are not only physical bodies, but human beings with souls. They are not only extension of machines for production of goods and profits. THE WOMEN’S PLACE IS IN THE STRUGGLE to defend life and human dignity. They are co-nurturers and co-designers of our humanity’s destiny. Women are human beings who are co-stewards of creation and life!

Today, the struggle continues. In the midst of poverty, hunger and disease, state repression, political killings of peace activists and curtailment of civil and political rights, women dare say, “Never again!” to all forms of oppression and exploitation. We add women’s voices to our people who cry in righteous indignation against the fascist rule of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her cohorts in their efforts to silence the disgruntled people. We denounce the outright violation of human rights and all acts of contempt against democracy in the name of political stability and protection of power she selfishly beholds. We join all freedom-loving people and defenders of democracy in their call to assert our rights amidst repression.

Today, we uphold women’s demand for a life with dignity and respect. Our demands for jobs, living wage, health and education services and housing provisions are valid and righteous. We reiterate our demand for Mrs. Arroyo to step down and be held accountable for cheating in the elections, stealing public funds, sowing violence against our people and committing deceitful move after another.

Today, as we embrace the gift of life and its beauty, we reclaim women’s tradition of resistance against acts of terror on our dignity and life. In the name of our foremothers, of today’s women struggle, and the next generation to come, Amen.

KASIMBAYAN WOMEN’S
COLLECTIVE
March 8,2006