How to participate in the Women’s Strike (even if you can’t take the day off)

Thousands of women across the country (and around the world) are going on strike tomorrow. They’re not just taking the day off from work—women in more than 30 countries have pledged to not do any paid or unpaid labor on International Women’s Day, which happens to be this Wednesday. The strike, which is being billed as “A Day Without A Woman,” is a followup to the Women’s March on January 21st, and is intended to show just how much women contribute to the economy and the world, especially in the face of an administration that threatens our rights and bodies.

In New York City, women and allies are gathering in Washington Square Park for a rally and march. The rally kicks off at 4pm, and at 5:30, everyone will march to Zuccotti Park, with a few stops along the way, including the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory site, the Varick Street Immigration Detention Center, and more.

But just like the Women’s March in January, this month’s strike isn’t accessible to all women—many women simply can’t afford to take a day off from work. Thankfully, there are other ways to get involved that are just as effective. If you have to work tomorrow, consider striking with your wallet instead: spend as little money as possible, or, if you can, spend money at women-owned businesses. Wear red in solidarity with other strikers, especially if you’re at work. If you’re a freelancer, take the day off, too! If you’re able, donate to Planned Parenthood, the National Organization for Women, or better yet, a local women’s shelter or charity. And after you do all that, here are a few cheap and/or free Women’s Day-related happenings:

• One Art Space (23 Warren St., Manhattan) is showcasing work by 18 female artists as part of their International Women’s Day Art Fair. The exhibition opens on the same day as the strike and is on view until March 16th.
• Mayday Space (176 Saint Nicholas Ave., Bushwick) is hosting a free International Women’s Day celebration with raffles, music, food, guest speakers, live performances, and more. Angie Bastian and Tonia Hardy will be  The event starts at 6pm and women who own and operate small businesses are encouraged to bring business cards to hand out.
• Remember, it’s not just American women who are going on strike. Learn about the lives and organizing struggles of Bangladeshi garment workers with a free preview screening of Workers Voices: Sramik Awazz at Empire State College (326 Hudson St., Manhattan) at 6pm. Refreshments will be provided, and make sure to RSVP if you plan on attending.
• The Old Stone House (336 3rd St., Park Slope) is screening She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry, a film about the origins of the women’s liberation movement in the ’60s by the women who lived it, at 7pm. Space is limited, so RSVP here, and keep in mind there’s a $10 suggested donation at the door.
• If you’re in the mood for some exercise, the Prospect Park Track Club is meeting up for an International Women’s Day run at Grand Army Plaza at 7pm. Afterwards, they’re heading to Butter & Scotch (818 Franklin Ave., Crown Heights), a woman-owned and -operated café and bar.
• Hank’s Saloon (46 3rd Ave., Boerum Hill) is hosting the (free!) monthly Devour Hour comedy show on International Women’s Day at 8pm. The lineup includes five hilarious female comics, the food of the month is empanadas, and the show will be followed by an all-night-long dance party benefitting the ACLU. Drinks at will be 70 cents on the dollar for women.
• The Living Gallery (1094 Broadway, Bushwick) is inviting female artists to display one of their works on International Women’s Day. The show starts at 9pm, a $5 donation gets you in the door—proceeds benefit the Bushwick Exchange zine—and attendees are encouraged to buy any pieces they like.
• All the proceeds from this dance party—which includes music by women DJs—at Kola House (408 W. 15th St., Manhattan) will benefit Planned Parenthood. The party starts at 9pm, $20 gets you in the door, and $50 gets you an open bar wristband.

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