March 08, 2017
In support of female workers and the impact their presence has on the economy, both locally and beyond, several Philadelphia businesses have decided to remain closed on Wednesday.
Other workplaces throughout the city will be operating with a lightened workforce on Wednesday, including at least one Center City school, as female employees are opting to take the day off to join with "A Day Without a Woman."
Wednesday's protest is the first day of action by Women’s March organizers following President Donald Trump's inauguration. It coincides with the U.N.-designated International Women's Day and is inspired by "Day Without Immigrants" protests held last month.
Unlike the Women's March, though, Wednesday's protest focuses on the absence of women by encouraging them to take the day off and not spend money to show their economic strength and impact on American society. Organizers also are asking women to wear red to signify love and sacrifice.
Greensgrow Farms in the city's Fishtown section is one of the businesses remaining closed on Wednesday.
As its male executive director, Ryan Kuck, wrote in a Facebook post, "It is not lost on me that I am now the head of an organization founded by a woman, nor that the majority of our staff (and customers) are women."
Kuck added, "I like to think that we model equality in our actions and policies, and that Greensgrow is a supportive workforce. But there is always more to be done."
The Tasty, a plant-based cafe in South Philadelphia, will also be closed on Wednesday.
Trump also took to Twitter on Wednesday and asked followers to join him in "honoring the critical role of women" in the U.S. and around the world.
I have tremendous respect for women and the many roles they serve that are vital to the fabric of our society and our economy.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 8, 2017
Ivanka Trump echoed her father's sentiments.
Today, we celebrate women and are reminded of our collective voice and the powerful impact we have on our societies and economies. #IWD2017
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) March 8, 2017
According to the U.S. Census, women make up more than 47 percent of the workforce and are dominant in such professions as registered nurses, dental assistants, cashiers, accountants and pharmacists. They make up at least a third of physicians and surgeons, as well as lawyers and judges. Women also represent 55 percent of all college students.
Still, American women continue to be paid less than men, earning 80 cents for every dollar a man makes. The median income for women was $40,742 in 2015, compared with $51,212 for men, according to census data.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
