I’m done celebrating women.

I warn you that this is a straight-up rant, and a fairly insidery one at that.
I can’t tell you how many meetings filled with well-intentioned women that I’ve attended where the idea of “celebrating women” emerges as a theme. We need to raise money for our nonprofit organization. Let’s throw a gala where we “celebrate women.” We need to do something for Women’s History Month. I have an idea–how about we “celebrate women.” Young women today just don’t know their feminist history. True, true. How about we host an event where we educate them and–everyone say it with me now–“celebrate women.”
I’m sick of it. Of course I love to recognize the incredible gifts, achievements, and dedication of my sister friends. But I actually feel like we’re diminishing our work when we constantly talk about it in this way. When was the last time someone mentioned “celebrating men” (expect maybe in reference to this pic)? When was the last time a bunch of dudes sat around a table and said, “You know what we need to do–put some pep in our step by having a big ol’ celebrating men party!” Of course one could argue that there has been one big ass “celebrating men” party going on for too long (a.k.a. patriarchy), but at least they haven’t called it that.
Recognize a woman for her contributions, just like you would a man, but don’t patronize her by making it sound like a surprise birthday party.