March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD). Recognized all over the world, the day is dedicated to the celebration of women’s advancement and recognition of the continued struggle for gender equity.

While we continue living through the devastating impact of COVID-19, the IFPTE Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN) would like to salute all the women workers out there on the frontlines. We thank you for risking your lives everyday to serve the public and help our communities run. Another shout out is also needed for all the women who are juggling work and increased family responsibilities due to deficiencies in the healthcare system for elders and from the closure of schools and daycares.

Isolation and limits on social interaction have caused an uptick in domestic violence. We lend our heart and strength to the women who are experiencing domestic violence and struggling to find proper support during this period of uncertainty. The strain on women is immense and we recognize that these struggles are compounded by issues of race, citizenship, ethnicity, (dis)ability, economic status, age, and gender identification. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in our social safety net. We have always known that the system was inadequate, but this experience has shown us that we need more and deserve better.

We warmly celebrate and give gratitude to all the women leaders who are advocating tirelessly to protect our health, our bodies, our environment, and our rights. These women are working in government, in schools, in spiritual spaces, in communities, in workplaces, and in social movements like Black Lives Matter. They are pushing the envelope, challenging the status quo, and demanding for systemic change where no one is harmed and left behind.

There are many events taking place on IWD and we encourage you to support local activities in your community. The WSN has put together a list of recommended readings and other resources. One special item on the list is a podcast series which features speakers from the Association of Immigration Law Judges (AILJ, IFPTE Judicial Council 2), hosted by Judge Mimi Tsankov who is also a member of our WSN Planning Committee. Check out our list here!

Happy International Women’s Day 2021