Lifestyle

5 Ways To Participate In 'Day Without A Woman' If You Can't Miss Work

Last month, thousands of people participated in "A Day Without An Immigrant," a national strike aimed at showing Washington the importance of immigrant workers to the US economy.

The protest was one of many following the inauguration of Donald Trump, whose rise to presidency has triggered a lot of minority groups into taking action against his administration.

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Following the national and worldwide success of The Women's March On Washington, the same grassroots organizers are calling on March 8, also International Women's Day, to be a "general strike" for women around the country.

According to the Women's March website,

In the same spirit of love and liberation that inspired the Women's March, we join together in making March 8th A Day Without a Woman, recognizing the enormous value that women of all backgrounds add to our socio-economic system--while receiving lower wages and experiencing greater inequities, vulnerability to discrimination, sexual harassment, and job insecurity.

Similar to "A Day Without An Immigrant," women are encouraged to take the day off of work, and only spend money at women-owned, or local, minority businesses.

If you can't take the day off work because of monetary reasons, or because you're the absolute #girlboss running the show, here are a few ways you can show solidarity and participate in the cause:

1. Wear red.

The Women's March and "Day Without A Woman" organizers suggest wearing red in solidarity.

Encourage not only your girlfriends to participate, but men in your life as well.

2. Donate to women's causes.

With the money you saved by striking all day, collect some extra cash (even $20 can help!) and donate to a women's charity or cause.

Planned Parenthood is probably the obvious one that comes to mind, but have you thought of what women's issues are specific to your community?

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For example, states like Texas and Ohio have extremely strict laws on abortions, so donating to a women's clinic in those states may be extremely helpful.

3. Get Witchy.

Feminist WITCHes of the '60s spent time brainstorming "hexes" to make their cause known. How can you encourage other women to get involved and take a stand in other ways?

Which patriarchal, or gender stereotype-focused event can you and your fellow witches disrupt?

4. Throw a party.

Instead of eating out that day, avoid spending cash and host a party at your apartment.

Ask for donations for a women's-focused cause of your choice at the door, or host a raffle, inviting all of your friends to participate by donating.

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Once the party settles in, have discussions about your individual experiences in the workplace, share stories and tips about breaking the gender pay barrier and find ways to lift each other up.

Hint: Buy your party supplies days before the strike is set to take place.

5. Find out who your female state representatives are.

Get acquainted with the women who represent your community, and get involved with the causes they represent. If you don't have time to run for office in your community, figure out ways to assist the women who are.

Can you volunteer your time to help their campaigns? If not, write letters to already elected officials about what's most important to you.