08/03/2026
Happy International Women’s Day Cheekettes
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As much a i appreciate all the love, virtual pats on the back and well wishes on this day. Let’s not forget what’s it about. Let it not be watered down to simply a gimmick to promote or sell to other women. Yes we should support female led business and acknowledge each other on this day and witnessing each other’s journeys, we all grow stronger when we do this, but it doesn’t end there.
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This is a day for protest, our hard earned rights and so called equalities are being erased right under our noses.
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And there are women across the world who are being dismissed, ignored, entrapped, exploited, abused and more, including many seen and unseen in our own communities.
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It’s not enough to just say Happy International Women’s Day, Yay us 🙌🏻 when women all sound the world are struggling and fighting for the their rights and often lives.
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I’ve been pouring over protest picture old and new. Understanding more about how IWD started. I talked to my Mum who went on the marches in 1975 and then went on to lead groups in the 80s and 90s, training women in assertiveness, how to embrace their sexuality, how to access their own power. We talked about the women she knew and just how much hard work and sacrifice went into securing the ‘privileges’ we enjoy today. This work was done for the nonnegotiable need to change women’s lives and opportunities, it was not monetised or made pretty for publicity. It was lived.
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IWD isn’t about pink and fluffy and 10% off a manicure( and I love pink and fluffy and nice nails ) its has to be more then that, it’s about blood, sweats, and tears. Protest, community, ownership over our bodies, knowing that if we are not all free then non of us are free. And we are far from free.
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Today I’ve chosen pictures from TCOI archives that demonstrate strength, protest, celebration and community
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I’m shining a light on and donating to the charity Forgotten Women, safe aid for women by women, who are focused on the immense needs of women and children in Gaza
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