The global theme, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” is one that is dear to FFRF’s heart. This theme recognizes that women and girls around the world can lead the charge on climate change and help build a more sustainable future for all.
However, in order for girls and women to fully contribute to a sustainable future, it is imperative that they have full bodily autonomy. This means that we need to work toward a world that doesn’t discriminate against women and girls over menstruation, pregnancy, contraception, sex education and abortion. FFRF is committed to that future.
Read more about these important topics and why they are foundational to secularism:
- Menstruation is a secular issue.
- Sex education should be secular.
- Fight for abortion rights with FFRF.
- Reproductive health is a state/church issue.
- Being child-free is not selfish.
- Let’s make contraception freely available.
The importance of International Women’s Day becomes clear as we look at the Pakistani women who have been courageously taking part in “Aurat Marches” (Urdu for “women’s marches”) today. The first such rally was held in Karachi in 2018, kicking off annual marches in other Pakistani urban centers. Women have been met with death and rape threats and have been called obscene. More seriously, last year Islamist groups counterdemonstrated, accusing marchers of holding “blasphemous” signs.
“The women of Pakistan, risking their lives to march against theocratic influence on government, should be an inspiration to us in America. We face our own theocratic inroads, and secular activists must become more vocal as marchers and voters to demand that our nation retain abortion and LGBTQ rights and stop privileging religion,” comments Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. “True liberty requires keeping religion in its place and out of government.”
Please also take some inspiration from FFRF Co-President Dan Barker’s version of the classic feminist anthem, “Bread and Roses,” typically played on March 8.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation continues to be inspired by our secular sisters, past and present, to work harder for “the rising of us all.”
