When it comes to international women’s day website owners urged to stop ‘exploiting’ day, in a significant move, over 900 individuals have signed an open letter addressed to the owners of internationalwomensday.com, urging them to either contribute meaningfully to the movement or step aside. The letter, primarily authored by two professionals from the UK, has gained considerable traction across social media platforms, emphasizing the perceived exploitation of the International Women's Day movement for financial gain.
Understanding International Women’s Day Website Owners Urged To Stop ‘exploiting’ Day
The open letter expresses a strong belief that internationalwomensday.com has been profiting from a social movement while failing to address the structural issues that underpin it. The authors, Belinda Jane Batt, a coach specializing in maternal support, and Mo Kanjilal, a founder of a diversity training company, argue that the website's operations dilute the essence of International Women's Day. Originally reported by The Guardian.
In a statement, Batt noted, "There was just a lot of confusion that I was seeing on all of the social media channels and in my own networks of women about this conflation of the International Women's Day website with the movement of International Women's Day." She believes that the themes promoted by the site have begun to feel like corporate marketing rather than genuine advocacy for women's rights.
Background on Internationalwomensday.com
Last December, a report by The Guardian revealed the origins and operations of internationalwomensday.com, which is run by a London-based marketing firm. The UN has distanced itself from this website, making it clear that the themes it promotes do not align with those recognized by the UN for International Women's Day.
This year, the website's theme is "Give to Gain," a phrase that some critics feel trivializes the serious issues women face globally. Many organizations in the UK, including Sainsbury's and Barclays, have used themes from this site, often mistaking them for official UN themes. Kanjilal criticized this practice, stating, "The theme they announce is always quite corporate," suggesting a lack of depth and seriousness in addressing the issues at hand.
Financial Transparency and Accountability
One of the significant points raised in the open letter is the need for transparency regarding the financial activities of internationalwomensday.com. Batt emphasized the importance of understanding where the revenue generated by the site is allocated, questioning, "Where is all that money going? Is any of it going to causes that are for women, for women's advancement, for women's rights?"
The website has established numerous high-profile corporate partnerships, including collaborations with BP, Ernst & Young, and the London Eye. Critics argue that these collaborations often lead to commercial exploitation rather than genuine support for the women's rights movement.
Calls for Authentic Engagement with the Movement
As the conversation around International Women's Day continues to evolve, advocates are calling for a return to authentic engagement with the issues impacting women today. Kanjilal expressed frustration with the superficial nature of the themes promoted, noting, "We had girls killed in Iran, girls in Afghanistan that can't go to school. In this country, six years since the death and murder of Sarah Everard, the fight for women's rights is serious."
She highlighted that themes like "Give to Gain" do not address the pressing realities many women face. Instead of empty slogans, Kanjilal and others are advocating for a renewed focus on substantive issues, pushing for real change rather than mere marketing strategies. As the conversation unfolds, the pressure on internationalwomensday.com mounts to reevaluate its role in the movement and its impact on women's rights.
The growing discontent surrounding internationalwomensday.com serves as a crucial reminder of the need for accountability and authenticity within social movements. Advocates are calling for a genuine commitment to advancing women's rights, emphasizing that financial gain should never overshadow the core mission of advocating for equality and justice.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.