Veterans & Supporters for International Womxns Day 2020

https://www.facebook.com/events/225775068592030/

Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 12:15 PM, Doctor Jose P. Rizal Park, 1008 12th Ave S, Seattle, Washington 98144
Less than 1% of the population are womxn who have served in the military. According to the Defense Department, women now make up 20 percent of the Air Force, 19 percent of the Navy, 15 percent of the Army and almost 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

While many people think about veterans and how to honor these brave individuals, honoring women veterans specifically is often overlooked. Women veterans can often face additional obstacles when they transition back to civilian life.
International Womxns Day can be a space where many of us come together and push for change that makes us less invisible or under represented and affirm that we have many common struggles as women. While women have made many historical strives, sacrifices, and accomplishments, it’s clear that this is a time we have an opportunity to stand united and affirm each others needs and identities to achieve new heights together where nobody is left behind.
Military and veteran women face excessive gender based challenges and violences and more so for those of us who have marginalized identities of color and LGBTQI2S. When we leave the military we carry burdens in to a system and society that confounds our burdens:

– gender discrimination
– wage gap
– sexual violence
– interpersonal abuse
– professional glass ceilings
– traumas of war
– moral injury
– economic disadvantage
– barriers to resources
– racial oppression
– untreated medical needs
– unstable housing
– single parenthood
– mental health challenges
– (and more)

PLEASE JOIN US TO HEAR PROFOUND VIGIL IN THE BEGINNING AT JOSE RIZAL PARK AND A FINAL PROGRAM OF SPEAKERS AT THE COURTHOUSE PARK. IF YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE, PLEASE JOIN THE MARCH BETWEEN THE TWO LOCATIONS.
Invite your organization and veteran womxn friends to meet before hand, make signs, bring flags, or wear gear that reflects who you or your org is and share time to build community, honor womxn, and our stories.

Questions or volunteers!   CONTACT: VFPSeattle.president@gmail.com

This event is happening in partnership and support of API CHAYA and coalition who has historically organized on this year. Read more here about the event and the organization:
https://www.apichaya.org/events/2020/3/8/international-working-womxns-day-api-chaya-25th-annual-vigil