Toplines and Key Facts:

• International Women’s Day 2024 has arrived and the theme is “Inspire Inclusion”
• Texas is ranked as the 5th worst state for women to live in
• There are plenty of featured events for Texas women taking place this month

International Women’s Day 2024 is finally here and the campaign theme is Inspire Inclusion! International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated worldwide to honor the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. It serves as an annual reminder of the advancements made towards gender equality while also acknowledging the ongoing efforts needed to achieve it. This year's campaign theme emphasizes the importance of inclusion in the journey towards gender equality. The "Inspire Inclusion" initiative encourages individuals to recognize and value the diverse perspectives and contributions of women from different backgrounds, including those from marginalized communities.

Unfortunately for women in Texas, our state still has a lot of work to do to ensure gender equality. With Texas coming in at #47 on the list of best states to live in as a woman, it’s clear that Texas is struggling to create an equitable environment. When looking at the state’s lack of comprehensive reproductive care, a high percentage of women living in poverty, and one of the lowest life expectancies for women in the country, many Texan women are left feeling like their concerns aren’t being heard at all. 

And worse, much of this is not a mistake or matter of absent funding. Abortion rights and Texas women as a result, are actively being attacked in our state. In our courts we watch Kate Cox and Amanda Zurawski’s brave cases; in our cities, we fight anti-abortion travel bans; and of course our state legislators banned the procedure and are seeking to wipe out even more types of reproductive healthcare. There is a reason that both Cox and Zurawski were invited to the State of the Union in front of the whole nation, because abortion is a national, galvanizing issue and despite Texas extremists leading the fight against it, Texas women fight back. They persist. Abortion rights and women’s rights are intrinsically linked and to improve the quality of life for Texas women, we must advocate for both now, and in the 2024 elections, by supporting candidates and policies that protect these rights.

During Women’s History Month, there are many activities celebrating the resilience and determination of Texas women that you can be a part of! We’ve compiled a list of featured events in Texas, both virtual and in person for you to enjoy. This International Women’s Day, take the time to make your voice heard and fight for an inspiring and inclusive Texas.

Events:

Virtual:

• March 8: Finding your voice: The journey to self-expression & trusting your gut
• March 8: Visionary Women: Celebrating champions of change

Austin:

• March 26: Bookpeople Presents: Sarah Rose Etter: Ripe

DFW:

• EVERY SAT.: Craft Workshop: Stitching HerStory at the South Dallas Cultural Center
• March 9-10: Women’s History Month Market featuring female small business owners
• March 16: Women’s History Month Celebration: African Textiles workshop
• March 23: Shattered: Women Breaking Barriers at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library

Houston:

• ALL MONTH: Women Who Dare: An Art Exhibit of over 35 works at Central Library
• March 19: Lecture: “Disability and Reproductive Justice”

San Antonio:

• ALL MONTH UNTIL March 22: Delita Martin Exhibit at UTSA Southwest Campus
• March 21: Revolutionary Women of TX and Mexico

Editorial Note: Progress Texas is not an organizer of the listed events. If you have more Women’s History Month events or resources you would like to add to the list, please send them to hiba@progresstexas.org