Sisterhood

One biological, by blood, shared DNA

But hundreds of thousands all over the world

Strong women have come before me

Thousands more will follow.

Trade union women are powerful, passionate, and persistent.

I admire them.

Sisters are not doing it (just) for themselves

But for women everywhere.

Every time they

Raise a hand in question

Or a fist in defiance.

They are showing strength by existing, showing solidarity by co-existing.

Trade union women are brilliant, brave, and breathtaking.

I admire them.

Sisterhood has offered me everything – solidarity, education, protection, peace, a sense of belonging, and a sense of self –

The realisation I am not just me, myself, but a collective of experiences

Shared by women, together, through the years and all over the world.

Sacrifices, sexism, and strikes – I am who I am because of brave women.

Brilliant women who have shared their stories with me,

Supported me to support others,

Cried, screamed, raged with me

And offered solidarity afterwards.

We have danced on picket lines, cheered on each other at rallies, and pushed each other

To the front of the line, to be the speaker and not just the note-taker, and to be the best version of ourselves.

Trade union women are striking, supportive, and so very special.

I am one.

Written by Zoe McKeown, EIS