SIGN OF THE TIMES: NEW’s English Students Celebrate International Women’s Day

A NEW English student creating her sign for the March 8, International Women’s Day March.

In the week leading up to the March 8th International Women’s Day March, the English students started brainstorming their signs. It’s become an annual event at the school and has grown each year.

“When we first started in 2018, there were three teachers and three students who attended the march,” recalled teacher Dhurata. “Today the basement of our school is crowded with all the students who are preparing to march this year. “We come from all over the world,” she added. “Some people know what March 8 is and some people don’t but everyone learns what the significance of this big day is.”

Whether they took inspiration from iconic women’s day signs—or created their own—the students were all feeling empowered by the experience, added Dhurata. “We talked to the students about some of the classic signs—like our body, my choice—because some of them didn’t understand the real meaning of that. Now they have more knowledge. It’s going to be a great day.”

Not surprisingly, housework was a common theme.

 “We share everything, why not housework?”

 “I’m your wife, not your mother!”

“I’m your life partner, not your nanny!”

“It’s not natural or normal for women to do all the work!”

“Do you help your wife?”

“Walk together. Work together.”

NO MORE HOUSEWORK!!!

“I am not a servant.”

But so too, was women empowerment:

“Every woman is important.”

 “The world is beautiful because of women.”

“Today we are happy because we are free.”

Others touched on violence against women and the need for it to end.

“We stop the violence.”

“I wait for your love; you give me bad words.”

“I take care of you and your family give me a slap.”