International Women's Day Observed by Tandem Friends Faculty/Staff

To demonstrate support for today's International Women's Day, the women of Tandem Friends School chose not to work for part of the day. An all-school morning meeting featured heartfelt messages from students and faculty, including a letter read by teacher Nancy Hiles-Johnson on behalf of the women at Tandem. A majority of students and staff dressed in red to show support, and the male faculty and staff will lead the end of day activities planned. Please take moment to read the message below, and join us in honoring women today.
Dear Students and Colleagues,

In solidarity with global initiatives honoring International Women’s Day and as part of the Women’s March’s A Day Without A Woman, the women at Tandem Friends School choose not to work for part of the day to represent the 80% women are paid relative to male wages.

We are on a play schedule today. At 2:25, when the rest of the community goes to the Community Hall for a special program followed by a Meeting for Worship, women faculty and staff who have the ability and desire to participate will leave for the remainder of the day.
 
According to the National Partnership for Women & Families, women in the United States are paid 80 cents for every dollar paid to men (the wage gap is larger for women of color and women over 40).  In Virginia, that wage gap is 78 cents for every dollar paid to men. In other words, in an 8-hour day starting at 8:00 am, women stop being paid at 2:15 pm; they effectively work without pay while their male counterparts continue to be paid.
 
A Day Without A Woman is recognition of the enormous value that women of all backgrounds add to our socio-economic system -- and the pervasive and systemic gender-based inequalities that still exist within our society, from the wage gap, to vulnerability to discrimination, sexual harassment, and job insecurity.
 
We hope you will stand in support of us who choose to participate in observance of this day. Even more important than the symbolism of standing with women on March 8th, the Women’s March is asking all employers to perform an audit of their policies impacting women and families. By ensuring that women have pay equity, a livable wage and paid leave, Tandem can demonstrate that its long-term actions align with the values we are standing up for on this day.
 
We choose to wear red to celebrate the love and sacrifice that women around the world exhibit in their daily lives.
 
Students: What can you do?
  • Go to Wednesday Night’s International Women’s Day
  • Celebration from 4-9 pm at the IX Art Park. Invite a woman to go with you.
  • Today, if you’re a woman, don’t shop or spend money, except at a woman or minority-owned business.
  • Learn as much as you can about women’s workplace issues.
  • Ask your mother. Ask your grandmother. Ask us!
  • Hold one another accountable on issues of social justice and gender equity.
We are dedicated to the work of Tandem Friends School. At an increasingly insecure time for the rights of women and minority groups, it is also important that we stand together clearly for the value of equality.
 
The Women at Tandem Friends School
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