We say feminist. And we say it with our whole chest. Because feminism isn’t a bad word. It’s a powerful one.  

Feminism is often misunderstood as belonging to only a narrow group. But feminism is for everyone. It’s for people of all genders, backgrounds, faiths, and political beliefs. It’s the belief that women, girls, and gender diverse people deserve to live free from violence and discrimination, and deserve safety, justice and equity. Many people hold these feminist values, whether they use the word or not.

Gender equality is unfinished work. In Canada, women still earn 89¢ for every dollar men earn, and 1 in 3 will experience gender-based violence. Families fleeing violence still struggle to find safe housing. Around the world, sexual exploitation and abuse remain widespread and deeply disturbing.  

Feminism is also what drives change. Feminist advocacy has expanded childcare, strengthened protections against violence and shaped national policies that improve lives across the world. Progress happens because people insist on equity and organize to make it real. 

As Aline Nizigama, National CEO of YWCA Canada, says, “When systems fail women, girls and gender diverse people, we refuse to. Feminism isn’t a bad word. It isn’t radical or partisan. It’s powerful.” 

Across the country, we’re saying it out loud. From cities, towns and communities coast to coast to coast, YWCAs are sharing why they say feminist in their own words, grounded in their local realities and the communities they serve. Feminism looks different in every place, but the values are shared: safety, equity and justice. This is what it sounds like when a movement comes together. Watch the Say Feminist movement video here. 

This International Women’s Day, we invite you to say feminist. Join us and: 

• Become a monthly investor in feminism and align your dollars with your values. 

• Subscribe to The Feminist Agenda to see what feminism looks like in action across the country. 

• Show your support online by sharing “I say feminist because _______.” Tag @ywcacanada and use #SayFeminist to join the conversation. 

• Partner with us this International Women’s Day to advance gender equity together. Reach out to philanthropy@ywcacanada.ca to explore opportunities to collaborate.