Alice Moreno
On March 8 — also known as International Women’s Day — Undocumented Women’s Fund hosted the 10th annual Women’s Strike Fest. Held at Maria Hernandez Park in Bushwick, it included tables from various organizations and performances by artists such as Mariachi Nuevo Atardecer, Alt Tlachinolli, Rude Mechanical Orchestra, and “Thank God for Abortion.” Billed as a coalition event, organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) were also involved.
“We know that we’re living in really difficult, hard times. We’re seeing relentless attacks constantly,” said Michi Cardenas of PPGNY. “and we’re here today to say, despite the attacks, we’re still here. We’re still a community.”
The Women’s Strike Fest combines the power of protesting with arts and culture, with their slogan being, “Care beats hate. Our love melts ICE.” Each table had resources, pamphlets, and free items to help support the community. At the DSA table, red cards with information on what to do if ICE comes to your door, and whistles were given.
“Some of our members are volunteers for [the ICE response] hotline. So if there’s ever a case where someone sees ICE on the street, they can call this hotline,” said Felicia A. of DSA. “And we have community members come out, and then, if someone is detained, try to provide them some kind of legal support afterwards.”
At the New York City for Abortion Rights table, it was filled with items such as tampons, emergency contraceptives, stickers, zines, and buttons. They also included postcards in which one could write a positive message to abortion providers, who often receive hate mail.
Next to them was the Violence Prevention Program table, which had a variety of flyers ranging from mental health to eliminating myths about abuse. They had an interactive section, where guests could write notes, in support of women, on an underwear- and/or bra-shaped paper.
Guests were also able to hone in on their creative side, as they had tables for screenprinting on shirts, seedbomb making, and portrait sculpting.
The Undocumented Women’s Fund makes it their goal to support each other in a time of uncertainty. According to their Call of Action, “on this International Working Women’s Day we gather to demand an end to terror, warmongering, and institutionalized hatred; but, also, to celebrate resilience, diversity, solidarity, and empathy, as well as caring, lifegiving love. Our hearts, united, are reason enough to hope.”
