The 519 Celebrates International Women’s Day 2017

IWD artwork by Zara Juliana Maralit

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8 in many countries around the world, honouring the achievements of women and casting light on our continued struggles for legal and economic equality, the right to choose, and freedom from violence. The real history of IWD was forged in fire, bloody strikes, starving workers, and dreams of revolution; and we ought to acknowledge that history and those dreams – yet to be realized.

The 519 is using International Women’s Day as an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of queer, gender non-conforming, and trans women and on the ways that our complicated and intersecting identities affect us differently and disproportionately. The pervasiveness of gender-based violence, including sexualized violence, sexual assault, transphobic violence, homophobic violence, and intimate partner violence, is a stunning reminder of how much work is left to be done.

Today, and everyday, The 519 is committed to working to end gender based violence and towards the liberation of all women. On March 8 we celebrate International Women’s Day and honor the strength and wisdom of women, past and present, who have fought for freedom and equality. On March 9 we commit to continuing this important work through the facilitation of community conversations, programs, and events that centre the experiences of those women most impacted by economic inequality, racial, sexual and state violence, and war.

Now, perhaps more than ever, we need to #beboldforchange.

About the artwork and artist

Hi, I am Zara Juliana Maralit. I am a freelance Digital Media Artist and Graphic Designer who loves to be creative in every way. Art is my home; it is where I can feel my voice and my feelings; it is where I can be free. I love to challenge every creative opportunity to put my own spin onto the project so that it can be unique, just like me. When there is creativity involved and you cannot seem to undertake it, all you have to do is just believe in yourself, be happy, and do what you want to do.

The Colourful March painting represents women no matter what their age – they can speak freely about their opinions. They voice it by showing it in a colourful march. The march is on International Women's Day. It's where women gather to voice their opinions and make the world listen to them and only them because – women matter.

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