On International Women’s Day, while the world watches a war unfold in Europe, it’s essential to remember that many continue to ignore the plight of millions rendered stateless by war, corruption, and the climate crisis. Among those affected are women who suffer disproportionately in times of conflict. War is not just a spectacle of state power but often a manifestation of toxic masculinity, where women become collateral damage.
Women, although sometimes combatants are more often the victims of violence and abuse in war-torn regions. This year, let us celebrate feminism by honoring those women who resisted oppression and advocated for peace and solidarity, crossing borders and fighting against patriarchal and imperialist forces.
Unsung Heroes of Feminist Resistance
Many women who have contributed significantly to global peace and solidarity go unrecognized. Yet, their legacies live on through their resistance to patriarchy and defiance of societal roles.
One such figure is Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900–1978), a Nigerian feminist activist, suffragist, and political leader. Although she is perhaps best known as the mother of musician Fela Kuti, her contributions to feminist and anti-imperialist movements are profound. As an outspoken critic of Nigerian military rule, she faced severe persecution, leading to her death in 1978. Ransome-Kuti’s courage continues to inspire African feminists and internationalists worldwide.
Grace Lee Boggs: Bridging Black and Asian Solidarity
Another influential figure is Grace Lee Boggs (1915–2015), a Chinese American philosopher, humanist, and organizer who spent over 60 years in Detroit’s Black Freedom movement. Boggs and her partner, James Boggs, co-authored Revolution and Evolution in the Twentieth Century, a book that still resonates with activists today. Her work in community building, political education, and fostering Black-Asian solidarity reminds us of the importance of alliances across racial and ethnic lines in the fight for justice.
Marielle Franco: A Symbol of Feminist Resistance
Marielle Franco (1979–2018), a Brazilian queer political leader, also deserves recognition. Born in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Franco was an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and low-income people. Her assassination in 2018 shocked the world, but her legacy lives on through murals, scholarships, and tributes around the globe. Franco’s opposition to militarism and state violence made her an international symbol of feminist resistance.
Honoring Feminist Internationalism Today
To honor the legacies of these feminist internationalists on this International Women’s Day, consider the following actions:
- Support organizations like the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, which builds feminist networks worldwide.
- Learn about groups such as the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), which resist war and advocate for peace in regions like Russia and Ukraine.
- Join discussions with prominent feminist abolitionists like Angela Y. Davis to deepen your understanding of global feminist struggles.
Looking Ahead: A Feminist Revolution
Left feminist politics demand we infuse organizing efforts with internationalism and radical democratic practice. As we look toward the future, we need a revolution in values, systems, and cultures that centers on feminist principles and resists the notion of “identity politics” as a narrow pursuit. In the words of writer-activist Toni Cade Bambara, we must “make revolution irresistible.”
Let’s embrace this call to action and remember that a better world is possible through feminist organizing and solidarity.