The importance of International Women of Colour Day

March marks International Women's Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women worldwide. This month also spotlights the specific hurdles and obstacles that women face within a patriarchal society and urges all of us to reflect, acknowledge and challenge these discriminatory structures. The 1st of March marks International Women of Colour Day, a day dedicated to recognising and honouring the unique challenges and accomplishments of Women of Colour (WoC) across the globe.

Why is the focus on WoC important?  

It's crucial because WoC often face compounded forms of discrimination and marginalisation due to both their gender and race. International Women of Colour Day aims to highlight these intersecting issues and celebrate the resilience and achievements of WoC. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles against racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression and the importance of solidarity and support for these women.   

WoC often face compounded forms of discrimination and marginalisation due to both their gender and race. International Women of Colour Day aims to highlight these intersecting issues and celebrate the resilience and achievements of WoC. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles against racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression and the importance of solidarity and support for these women.   

What does ‘Women of Colour’ mean?  

The term' Women of Colour' is not just a descriptor of skin tone but a solidarity definition. The term originated at the 1977 National Women's Conference in Houston, USA, where Native American, Latina, Asian, and Pacific Islander women asked to join the Black Women's agenda. Activists like Loretta J. Ross popularised this term, emphasising its power in driving collective action and unity for women from various marginalised and minoritised racial and ethnic backgrounds.  

In Australia, the term' Women of Colour' can be contentious. Some argue that it may not be appropriate for the Australian context. The term may also be used to homogenise diverse experiences, or it may not be particularly relevant or appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, taking into consideration ongoing colonial frameworks of colourism.   

Others, like the non-profit organisation Women of Colour Australia, use the term to frame their work. They draw on Loretta J. Ross' definition: 'Women of Color is not a biological designation. It is a solidarity definition. A commitment to work in collaboration with other oppressed women of colour who have been minoritised. It is a term that has a lot of power.' 

An intersectional perspective – it's not just gender but also race and ethnicity  

An intersectional perspective is essential when discussing the experiences of WoC. Intersectionality, a term coined by African American legal scholar, Kimberlé Crenshaw, refers to how different forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) intersect and overlap. WoC often navigate multiple identities and face unique challenges that cannot be understood through a single lens of gender or race alone.   

Statistics on Women of Colour  

WoC, particularly Trans WoC, face alarming rates of violence and discrimination. According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Black trans women are disproportionately impacted by fatal violence, comprising nearly half of the deaths among transgender and gender non-conforming people.  

Women of Colour Australia's Women of Colour in Australian Workplaces report (2024) surveyed 1,004 WoC across Australia. Key statistics from the report include:  

• 2 in 3 have experienced discrimination in the workplace, almost a 10% increase from 2021  

Addressing these systemic barriers 

Diversity Council Australia (DCA), Settlement Services International, and Chief Executive Women are leading a collaborative project called RISE (Realise. Inspire. Support. Energise). According to the DCA website: 'The RISE project is working with 25 organisations across Australia to implement organisational change interventions that will help address systemic and organisational barriers for culturally and racially marginalised women. The RISE project will work with up to 15 women from each of the 25 organisations to support their progression to leadership positions.' 

Women of Colour Australia has also developed innovative programs to empower WoC to excel in their careers. With a focus on WoC leading these programs for fellow WoC, they leverage their lived experience and expertise to deliver culturally attuned and authentic programs. These include an Executive Leadership Program and a Mentorship Program that substantiates their 'ongoing efforts to elevate and centre First Nations women, Women of Colour in our communities, societies, and workplaces.'   

While these organisations are doing excellent work to address systemic discrimination, there is a need for continued allyship and support for WoC in all sectors. It should not be the sole responsibility of WoC to dismantle systemic barriers. WoC should not have to carry the psychological toil of doing the hard work of intersectional anti-racism and feminism by themselves. 

Achievements of Women of Colour  

Amidst these challenges, WoC have made significant contributions across various fields across the globe:  

The above list is not exhaustive and does not note the lived experiences of all WoC from all walks of life that should always be valued and acknowledged. 

Resources and reading lists  

Here are some recommended resources and reading lists that enable meaningful learning and understanding of intersectional feminism and WoC. Let's champion their work and lived experiences, not solely on the 1st of March but every day.