Where Are Schools Closing For The Women's Strike?

Next week, women all across the world will take action in letting their voices be heard and proving they will continue to stand up for their rights — by participating in the Women's Strike. People are going to great lengths in preparation for this event (as they should) — including some schools. But where are schools closing for the Women's Strike?

On March 8, or the International Day of Women, women who choose to participate will either take the day off from work, avoid shopping for one day anywhere except businesses owned by women or minorities, and wear the color red in solidarity for the women participating in the strike. According to the Women's March on Washington, this strike is to "act together for equity, justice, and the human rights of women and all gender-oppressed people, through a one-day celebration of economic solidarity." This bold stance reminds everyone, from employers to politicians to friends and family, about the role that women play in the economy. In honor of such an important day, one school system in North Carolina — Chapel Hill-Carrborro City Schools —which serves the towns of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Carrborro, North Carolina will cancel class, according to The News & Observer, because they expect to be "shorthanded." This could be contributed to the school system's employee makeup, which is 75 percent women. Instead, according to The News & Observer, the school day will be changed to a teacher work day.

"The expected absences would make it difficult to teach students on March 8 and to provide essential services including transportation and food services," Chapel Hill-Carrborro school system said in a statement to the News & Observer. Unfortunately, according to Fusion, it is unclear how many or if any other school districts across the nation will follow suit.

If you're a teacher, and want to engage with and teach students about A Day Without Women, according to the Women's March on Washington, a group of teachers have created an amazing lesson plan and presentation to engage students in teaching them about A Day Without Women. And for those who work in schools and want to participate in A Day Without Women — but not yet have had classes cancelled — can do so in a variety of ways. Those who wish to participate in the strike and not go to work can let their bosses know about their participation in the strike, or can even wear red in their outfit that day to work or school to show their solidarity for the women participating in the strike (which symbolizes revolutionary love and sacrifice).

While students might have to go to school on Wednesday on the International Day of Women, there are plenty of ways for those who have to go to school, or their parents, to participate in the Women's Strike.