International Women’s Day is just two weeks away, and with all the talk in the US about reproductive justice, it’s a fitting topic to rally around for IWD. As a feminist anti-war organization, we know we can’t talk about reproductive justice without talking about Gaza. Why? Because how can we talk about women anywhere without talking about the women that need our attention the most right now? What is more anti-feminist than war? Advocating for reproductive justice in the US should also include advocating for reproductive justice in Palestine and everywhere!
It’s impossible to ignore the hypocrisy in the US government when it comes to reproductive rights. Politicians weaponize this necessary form of healthcare as a talking point for elections and to keep their status as “progressive”. After seeing the US government do nothing to stop Israel’s genocide campaign in Gaza, the theatrics aren’t cutting it anymore. If leaders in the US government–-or anyone— are going to talk about reproductive justice or IWD, their advocacy must center the women in Gaza. Not just in words, but also in action. Advocating for reproductive rights in the US while failing to call for a ceasefire in Gaza is wildly incompetent at best and erasure of genocide at worst.
👉 Hold the women of the Progressive Caucus accountable!
During the week of IWD, we’ll be in Congress every day advocating for the women in Gaza and holding US officials accountable by uplifting the voices of people across the globe who like you, support Palestine. We’ll specifically be delivering a petition to the 24 women of the Congressional Progressive Caucus who have yet to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Sign on to our statement so we can show them the power of this movement, or if you live in or nearby DC, join us on March 8 and help deliver the message yourself!
War is not progressive, it’s destructive. War is not reproductive justice. Since the start of Israel’s most recent bombardment, miscarriages in Gaza have gone up 300%. Women are forced to undergo C-sections without anesthesia. Israeli soldiers in the Tal al Zaatar area of Gaza shot at and bulldozed pregnant women carrying white flags. And what has the US government done besides egging Israel on with more weapons while bombing any country that dares to take significant action to stop this genocide? Nothing. We refuse to allow US politicians to continue virtue signaling by pretending to care about reproductive rights. We demand consistency.
👉 Tell the Progressive Caucus: A ceasefire is overdue!
This IWD, we call on you to reject traditional Western and colonial “feminist” narratives that have long perpetuated war, occupation, and genocide! War-mongering fuels oppression, mistreatment, and murder of women around the world. The struggle for reproductive justice and Palestinian liberation are deeply intertwined feminist issues.
👉 Don't stop applying pressure! Take action:
- Join us in Congress every day!
- Check out our organizing resources and especially our new #IWD2024 ToolkitÂ
- Pass a ceasefire resolution in your city with this toolkit!
- Take action daily for Palestine!
- Check out our BDS toolkit!
- Join the #FastforGaza! Or if you’re unable to, Send Food to Gaza!
- Join us on 2/26 for the next Missing Peace Monday Community Call!
- Join our Palestine ListServ!
Towards Peace,
Nour and the whole CODEPINK Team
P.S. Pre-order our brand new #IWD2024 t-shirts
