March 8th first began as a day of struggle against imperialism. Organised by revolutionary socialists, women across the world marched for equality and liberation, against poverty and war.
Today, March 8th has been stripped of its radical roots. Instead, it is turned into a celebration of the few women who make it to the top of the imperialist system. In reality it is imperialism that is the main obstacle to equality, progress and liberation as it divides and conquers, working and peasant women bearing the brunt.
The Irish Republic declared in 1916 promised equality between Irish men and Irish women, fighting side by side against Empire. The betrayal of this Republic, and subsequent partition of the island, maintained the rule of Imperialism in Ireland. In the occupied six counties, British guns and bombs — many volunteers also tortured in Brit gaols. Under the supposed Free State, women have faced countless injustices, from the laundries to being stripped of basic rights. Gender violence is left with little justice. Wages are driven down to maximise profit for capitalists native & foreign. Vital healthcare delayed and denied. Mothers left to fend for themselves.
With the trend of militarisation and social reaction rising around the globe, the mask of Imperialism is being ripped away. While NATO professes to be a progressive, feminist force, its record shows the opposite. Revolutionary resistance is the key; IWWD must once again become a day of struggle against militarisation and gender violence.
As Imperialism drags Ireland further into NATO, the choice is the same as it was in 1916 — the Empire or the Republic, oppression or liberation. Women’s liberation can only be secured in a 32 County People’s Republic, run by and for the working class.
Saor Éire — Ní saoirse go saoirse na mban!