It is a universal campaign for equality, justice, and humanity, where no person will be forced into a compromised position ever again.

I am using this episode of Music and Society to commemorate International Women’s Day, with 3 songs honoring Women’s fight in history.

Music and Society, Episode 8: March 8th Special

La Lega

Sebben che siamo donne
Paura non abbiamo

It’s an Italian folk song written in 19th century. The writer is unknown. It is about the revolt of female agricultural workers against their bosses. I first heard it from Italian TV, when I was struck by the unified, optimistic, determined, elated voice. The above was a clip of this song in the famous movie 1900

Bread and Roses

As we come marching, marching, we bring the Greater Days
The rising of the women means the rising of the race
No more the drudge and idler: ten that toil where one reposes
But a sharing of life’s glories: Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses

An iconic poet written by James Oppenheim. It is composed and sung by multiple celebrated musicians. I first heard of this song in Elizabeth Gurley Flynn‘s autobiography Rebel Girl, where she mentioned the Textile Strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts, 1912. The poet (lyrics) is not only about female workers fighting for better pay and dignified working conditions, but also highly aligned with the suffrage movement at the time. The metaphor of Bread and Roses added a sense of gentle resilience to the strength and spirits of those who fight. And it partly contributed to the legacy of Roses being the symbol of these movements.

Rebel Girl

That’s the Rebel Girl, the Rebel Girl!
To the working class, she’s a precious pearl.
…
For it’s great to fight for freedom
With a Rebel Girl.

Yes, it’s about Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, the leading figure of 20th century movements for labor rights and women suffrage. A song of Joe Hill. We can talk about him another day.

Yes, I heard it first from the HOI4 mod Kaiserreich. For one time the game ended where all leaders of major countries are women. It is too magical to imagine.

Yes, like it said, it is a fight for all people against all forms of oppression. One does not have to be in a specific identity to feel that, as it is universal.

P.S.

Yeah, I know, they are songs 100 years ago. But hey, we are still fighting for these, today.

So, here is an homage to all the Rebel Girls, who are making us a better world.