In Her Honor, I Rise on This March 8th
Celebrate International Women’s Day

Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) was founded in 2004 to make progress on critically important issues including equal rights for all. As the first national, progressive multi-issue organization to support the three-state (now two-state) Equal Rights Amendment, PDA proudly celebrates all women and all women’s rights today on International Women’s Day.

Tell Congress to Help Ratify the ERA
Celebrate International Women’s Day

On March 8, 2007, I was a long way from my home in Denver. I was in Havana, Cuba, and I was being filmed receiving medical care I was unable to get approved in my own country, by my private health insurance carrier. I was one of the subjects featured in Michael Moore’s documentary film, SiCKO.

Throughout that whole day, women and men greeted women around them with warm embraces and often a small flower—just for being worthy to be so honored as women. I had never experienced that sort of recognition on any March 8th before. It was lovely.

While this March 8th is filled with immense challenges for women here in the United States and for women around the world, we also have so much to honor in one another about our shared mission to live in a more just, more intentionally equal system. More young women are rising in our midst to claim their power than ever before—just look around you, progressive women.

There is perhaps no time more simultaneously challenging and filled with potentials only visible from our perches on the shoulders of those women who have fought, suffered, prevailed, persisted, won, lost, and sometimes died while pressing for justice.

My mother spent weeks in an iron lung just weeks after I was born as polio ravaged her body. Now, as a 90-year-old living in Bay Area of CA, my mom forged a path for me I can only honor by marching onward with all of you, our PDA extended family of power-filled women and the equally incredible men who rise with us.

On the March 8th, International Women’s Day 2018, wherever you are, honor one another with action against oppression and injustice. Rise in your power. Tell Congress to help ratify the ERA!Ever onward.

Peace,

Donna Smith

For the national team, Deb, Judy, Janis, Kim, Mike F., Mike H., Dan, and Dr. Bill

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