Are you prepared to take the pledge, ladies?
On 4 March, the Stylist team joined thousands of feminists as they marched in the historic footsteps of the suffragettes from Parliament to Trafalgar Square, marking 100 years since the first women in this country won the right to vote.
The event, organised by the charity CARE International UK, culminated in a rally at the same spot where Emmeline Pankhurst and Keir Hardie joined together to address crowds of suffragettes more than 100 years ago.
And it was in this same spot that activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu called upon women everywhere to take the sacred pledge of feminist badassery.
Focusing on the inequality women and girls face worldwide, and how they are still far more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and harassment, Mos-Shogbamimu reminded us that feminism has no boundaries.
“The shackles that bind us are the same, regardless of our backgrounds,” she told the crowd. “We shall not be moved by political indecisiveness. We shall not be moved by hatred intolerance or bigotry. We are resolute in our conviction that we are born to rise.
“We have had Emmeline Pankhurst, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou. Do you know who the world is waiting for? You!
“It’s your right to challenge decision makers in this country, and it’s your right to lead this country, so let’s stand in unison.”
Mos-Shogbamimu continued: “100 years after some women won the vote, the struggle continues. Today you’re going to take a pledge with me. We need more women in STEM. We need more women in parliament. We must not be afraid to stand up and raise our voices.
“Don’t moan. Vote!”
To finish, Mos-Shogbamimu called upon everyone present to raise their right hand and repeat the “pledge of badassery” after her.
“I solemnly swear to be totally badass,” she said, the crowd echoing her enthusiastically.
“I solemnly swear to not give up, to fight the good fight, and to move by faith and not by sight.”
Wise words – and ones which we can definitely get behind.
To see all of the most inspirational, powerful and uplifting moments from CARE International’s annual #March4Women as they happened, be sure to check out our liveblog right here.
Images: Rex Features
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