In a working-class community in the northern Valley of Mexico, a group of 25 friends and Progressive Labor Party (PLP) militants gathered to commemorate March 8th—International Working Women’s Day. The majority of those in attendance were women, and one-third were teachers.
Sexism means we gotta fight back!
The meeting took place eight days after the U.S. and Israel launched a missile attack on a girls’ school in Iran, killing at least 170 people—most of them children. In Mexico, five days earlier, the femicide of Kimberly—a student at the University of Morelos—had occurred. This took place just weeks after the femicide of Karol, another student at the same institution. Under the capitalist system, the sexist oppression of women entails not only wage inequality, the double shift (working a full-time job followed by domestic labor), and sexist practices, but also social, cultural, and ideological degradation—the most extreme manifestation of which is femicide.
The discussion was led by two women comrades and one man comrade. The history of Working Women’s Day was presented—tracing its origins to the struggles of working women and its promotion by communist leaders—and the nature of sexism was explained. The current situation of women under capitalism was also discussed, and the stories of various female social activists and revolutionaries were highlighted.
A woman’s place is in fightback
The attendees—particularly the women—shared their experiences in confronting oppression within their homes (with their parents and partners) and in their workplaces (with their bosses). One account was particularly inspiring, demonstrating how a comrade’s steadfast refusal to accept the gender roles imposed by the system brought about changes within her family, helping to break with certain sexist practices. However, it was acknowledged that much work remains to be done, and that there is a pressing need to struggle to destroy the very system that perpetuates these practices for the sake of bosses’ profits.
Another comrade expressed her satisfaction that her family has developed political consciousness, noting that this awareness has helped them make better life decisions and adopt a class-based perspective.
The meeting concluded with a brief analysis of the international situation—the war in the Middle East, the struggle over critical minerals, and the implications for workers worldwide. Attendees were invited to hold further meetings to delve deeper into some of the topics discussed, and an invitation was extended to participate in the May Day march. At the conclusion of the event, a meal was held, providing an opportunity for friendship, basebuilding, and for strengthening bonds.
The struggle continues
That same day, in a community located in the eastern part of the Valley of Mexico, other comrades also commemorated March 8th with a meeting and a meal attended by around fifteen neighbors—particularly women—who have historically organized themselves to fight for essential services, such as transportation, water, and electricity, for their neighborhoods.
For this event, they organized collectively to bring various dishes to share with their fellow fighters. Discussions were also held regarding International Working Women’s Day, sexism, and the global situation.
Both of these activities demonstrate that, even as imperialist war and fascism loom menacingly, our class will answer the call to struggle. Ultimately—through a communist revolution and the conscious participation of millions of women and men—we will sweep away capitalism and the sexist, racist refuse it generates.
