26 Little Ways To Resist During The Women's Strike

Wednesday, March 8, is International Women's Day, and this year, some people are celebrating in a slightly different manner than usual. A "Day Without a Woman" — a strike intended to highlight women's integral role in society by taking away their contributions for 24 hours — will be occurring on this already notable date. And there are plenty of little ways to resist on the Day Without a Woman, whether or not you're able to participate in the strike itself.

The organizers of the Women's March have been vocal in their support of the strike; indeed, on the March's website, they remind us that the Day Without a Woman seeks to perpetuate the momentum that made the Women's March possible while recognizing the "enormous value that all women of all backgrounds add to our socio-economic system." They go on to outline three major ways to participate: Taking the day off, avoiding shopping or shopping only at "small, women- and minority-owned businesses," or simply wearing red to indicate your support for the event.

Some have criticized the strike for prioritizing women of privilege, pointing out that not every woman can afford to take a day off from work, and that's absolutely valid. But actually striking isn't the only way people can take part in the resistance — there are plenty of other ways to do so, no matter how much or little time or resources you have to spare. Like these:

1. Watch a film directed by a woman.

2. Invite friends over to watch a woman-centered documentary like Missrepresentation or Half the Sky.

3. Check up on statistics regarding pay equality (or the lack thereof).

4. Offer to babysit for a working mother, or another working parent who would like to take the day off but can't, for free.

5. Listen to a feminist podcast.

6. Read a book about feminist history.

7. Read a book about contemporary feminism — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists is a personal favorite.

8. Women bear the brunt of housework even in 2017, so leave chores like laundry and dishes for someone else to do. If that's too unbalanced, consider switching them for a traditionally "masculine" chore like mowing the lawn.

9. Read up on what your local representatives are doing these days in regards to gender equality.

10. Call or write a letter to let them know what you think of their choices.

11. Refrain from shopping and, by extension, contributing to a system that awards men and women differently for the same amount of work. If you need something, buy it the day before.

12. Make a small donation to a women-oriented organization.

13. If you have the money, set up a monthly donation instead.

14. Attend an event for International Women's Day. You can find a list here.

15. Call someone who's been an important parental figure in your life and thank them for it. (Doesn't have to be a mom or mother figure — people of all genders share equal responsibility in raising children!)

16. Rock out to feminist anthems in the car.

17. Practice some self-care. Take a bath, go for a run, meditate, or do anything else that floats your boat.

18. If you can't strike, wear red to work.

19. Post about the strike on social media. Boost the signal.

20. Browse the #DayWithoutAWoman hashtag online to see how other people are taking part.

21. Have a girls' night in — or out, if you can find a women-owned restaurant or bar.

22. Compliment at least one lady about something other than her looks.

23. Watch Legally Blonde. That movie is as girl-power as it gets.

24. Discuss women's history with your coworkers.

25. Avoid using gendered language, especially slurs like "bitch."

26. Have dinner with your friends.

27. If you're taking the day off, spend your day volunteering for a women's organization. If you can't take off work, volunteer for however long you can spare.