International Women’s Day (IWD) has its roots in the early 20th century when women, fed up with systemic oppression, banded together to demand change. In 1908, a staggering 15,000 women marched through New York City, advocating for better pay, shorter hours, and the right to vote. They sought to have their voices heard, to be respected, and to receive recognition for their contributions—issues that remain pertinent today.
Over the decades, the focus has evolved from merely demanding rights to advocating for equality in opportunities alongside men. Terms like feminism, gender parity, and gender equality have emerged as tools against sexism and misogyny. However, even within the most progressive and self-identified feminist circles, there remains a significant oversight.
Gender parity often refers to the measurable differences between men and women in areas such as income, education, and workforce participation. Yet, true equality cannot be reduced to numbers. It encompasses how individuals perceive and treat others, influenced by biases, sexism, and stereotypes. A major flaw in many feminist movements is the assumption that gender is binary, overlooking the experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals. This narrow perspective limits the discourse on women’s rights to cisgender women only.
International Women’s Day would be immensely more impactful if it included transgender and non-binary individuals in a meaningful way. To truly honor all who identify as female, we must also recognize those who do not identify strictly within the binary. Transgender women are women and deserve to be included in discussions about women’s rights without needing to justify their existence or fulfill arbitrary criteria.
Conversely, some radical feminists, often referred to as TERFs (trans-exclusionary radical feminists), dismiss transgender women as “real” women based on biological determinism, which is a harmful and exclusionary viewpoint. Such thinking undermines the very essence of feminism, as it fails to recognize the equality of all individuals within the same gender identity.
Transgender men are men, and their experiences must also be acknowledged. Many trans men may not feel comfortable in spaces designated for men due to the prevalence of toxic masculinity and transphobia. Yet, their lived experiences as individuals who have been perceived as women allow them to empathize with the challenges women face. Transitioning does not erase their commitment to advancing women’s rights.
Furthermore, many transgender men and non-binary individuals possess reproductive organs and require equitable access to healthcare, including birth control and maternal care. Some can conceive and give birth, which highlights the importance of advocating for inclusive reproductive rights. Abortion rights should be viewed as a broader issue that affects anyone with a uterus, not just cisgender women.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #ChoosetoChallenge. I urge everyone to embrace a broader definition of equity that includes all genders. How can we claim to empower women and girls if we exclude transgender individuals from the conversation? If women have the right to their bodies, why are we not fighting against the policing of transgender bodies? Why isn’t IWD addressing the violence faced by transgender individuals, particularly Black transgender women? If we aim to uplift the voices of marginalized women, we must also elevate the narratives of gender-diverse individuals.
The fight for gender equality must transcend the traditional binary framework, ensuring that all genders have a fair opportunity. Including transgender and non-binary individuals on International Women’s Day does not diminish womanhood; rather, it strengthens the collective resistance against sexism and patriarchy. Otherwise, it becomes merely a celebration for cisgender women, neglecting the struggles of others.
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In summary, the inclusion of transgender and non-binary individuals is crucial for the effectiveness of International Women’s Day. To truly fight against patriarchal systems, we must recognize and respect the diversity of gender identities within our advocacy for women’s rights.
Keyphrase: Inclusion of Trans and Non-Binary Individuals on International Women’s Day
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