Sheri Lawal

TOO often, as minorities, we are left to fight our own causes, even though we support everyone else’s.

However, we are often marginalised and discriminated against for being women, for being Black, for being who we are.

International Women’s Day spotlights the issues that women face worldwide – we are strong women: carers, protectors, warriors, who call out inequalities, embrace harmony, unity, inclusion and drive success for all.

But, how often will we be told that we are angry Black women, or we have a chip on our shoulder because we insist on the same respect afforded to others so freely?

How long will we continue to suffer from unchallenged racism, “unconscious bias” or have to jump through hoops just to get to the starting line?

Mainstream women’s movements, especially in the UK still lack real inclusion when it comes to celebrating Black women’s achievements and raising issues that affect our intersecting identities. Not because we don’t participate in trying to eradicate gender oppression, but because of a lack of real support and solidarity.

Black women’s unique challenges are generally ignored or not raised at all and we are often told that being pro Black means you are not being inclusive, but rather, you are being exclusive. The European and American mainstream feminist movement also excluded Black women from its history and its celebration of women’s achievements for a long time. International Women’s Day has historically left out Black women too.

The Black Lives Matter movement which took the world by storm and became a movement to reckon with was founded by three Black women – Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi.

Through identifying existing racial injustices and inequities in their society, these women were able to facilitate the uncomfortable conversations about these issues on both a local and international scale. They encouraged us to be more active together as women around the world.

This International Women’s Day, we need to be reflective and proactive in shaping our future. Let us gain strength from those who have walked this journey before us and support those women who are currently walking this journey, making an impact with courage and grace.

Let us consider the struggles that we have had to endure as women over the years and recognise the additional pressure that Black women have faced and continue to face. Let us also listen to the needs and concerns of all women and acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and achievements of all women by ensuring we stay committed to eradicating gender and racial oppression for all.

As Viola Davis once said, “the only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity.”

• Sheri Lawal is the managing of director of Choices in Archway