Indiana celebrates International Working Women’s Day

INDIANA, March 8 – Over 30 workers gathered in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) to learn about its history and various past and present anti-racist, anti-sexist women fighters. The theme for this year’s event was “One United Working Class vs. Sexism.”
The program was organized in order to collectively learn more about the fights against capitalism and sexism led by international working class women throughout history and the present. We also sought to collectivize building and strengthening our base in the area. It is important for us to continue to sharpen our line against anti-sexism and talk about waging this fight with our line as communists.
Those present were treated to a program that included a short video about the history of IWWD followed by discussion, interactive games, and personal comments from comrades about fighting back against sexism with communist unity. Examples were shared in an interactive timeline that highlighted historical worker-centered events, such as the 1866 creation of Mississippi’s First Labor Union by the Washerwomen of Jackson. Also featured were the fightback against sexist violence in Chile and the nationalization of childcare in the Soviet Union under the Bolsheviks.
Each of these examples showed how women workers have given and continue to give fierce leadership to major struggles internationally. The event ended with us singing the Internationale.  
Communists fight sexism head on
The personal, political, and international experiences of various women workers was featured in the event. One worker gave a speech in Spanish about their experiences fighting against the corrupt government alongside her father in Mexico. When the comrade came to the U.S., she met members of PLP and realized that we were a group committed to fighting against injustice; not just talking about it.
She joined the Party and raised her children to also be active fighters against injustice. She ended by relaying her hopes for all the young girls in the room to never settle on bein “princesses,” but rather s fighters in the battle against racism, sexism, and capitalism.
Another worker spoke about working in the hospitality industry and the intense sexism she experiences every day. She highlighted the capitalist attacks against women specifically in Indiana. For example,the maternal mortality rate is the second worst in the U.S. For every 100,000 live births, 50 white women die. This number is nearly doubled for Black women in the state (America’s Health Rankings, 2019).
She stressed that capitalism is the reason why sexism and racism exist. This worker was introduced to the party through a persistent comrade who struggled with her, continued to get her the paper, and remained consistent. This is a reminder that what we do, the relationships we make and strengthen matter.
Pushing our line and work forward
Contrary to the feminist idea that men are the source of sexism, the root cause of sexism is capitalism, and both women and men suffer from its inequalities and exploitations. Sexism is a tool of divide-and-conquer. While women are the main target of sexism, men are also hurt my sexist ideas and practices. For example, studies have shown that the pressure of misogyny is linked to increased depression and substance abuse among men (The Guardian, 2016).  
 This event showed us the importance of continuing to meaningfully connect with people and engage them with our politics. Of the 30 workers in attendance, almost half were yet-to-be members. This was an important revelation, showing that PLP’s work is recognized and respected by others in the community.
It also showed that we must strengthen our political work and relationships. Taking these active steps will only lead to the liberation of the working class by building a communist world with a militant line and practice against sexism, racism, and capitalism. PLP continues to lead the way!