On International Woman’s Day in 2017, organizers called for a “strike” to promote equity and justice for all and raise awareness of the economic contributions of women. That day I wrote this essay in solidarity with #DayWithoutAWoman.
The campaign asks us to imagine a world without women. So, let’s imagine.
Imagine a world without the wisdom of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the wit of Dorothy Parker, the words of Maya Angelou.
Imagine a world without the courage of Rosa Parks, the compassion of Mother Teresa, the confidence of Susan B. Anthony.
Imagine a world without the hope of Malala Yousafzai, the honesty of Eleanor Roosevelt, the heroics of Harriet Tubman.
Imagine a world without the mind of Marie Curie, the magic of Beatrix Potter, the memories of Anne Frank.
Imagine a world without the athleticism of Serena Williams, the artistry of Georgia O’Keefe, the talent of Meryl Streep.
Imagine a world without your mother, daughter, sister, wife, grandmother, aunt, best friend, neighbor.
Imagine a world without the maternal womb, the willingness of a soul to bear anguish to bear life.
Imagine then, only a vast emptiness. For that is a world without women.