Beyond White Feminism: Redefining Allyship for International Women's Day

Beyond White Feminism: Redefining Allyship for International Women's Day

Join the Kickass Collective 6.0 | The Business Brunch at Platf9rm in Hove on March 8th

When Feminism Truly Belongs to Everyone

I've been thinking a lot about International Women's Day lately. There's something that's always bothered me about it – a paradox. While we celebrate women's achievements, these events often spotlight voices from privileged backgrounds. The result? Many women, especially those from the Global Majority, end up feeling invisible.

But after getting to know more about what to expect, I’m actually looking forward to the upcoming women-centred Kickass Collective Business Brunch at Platf9rm Hove on March 8th. It feels like something different – creating a space where feminism stretches beyond its usual borders.

The panel itself seems special. They've got Vanessa Belleau, a Black founder driving equity conversations; Erica Sosna, a walking paraplegic with post-Jewish Ukrainian heritage; and Kelly Gordon, a business leader also living with disabilities, just to name a few. With such a diverse group of contributors, I expect them to challenge the idea that feminism belongs to just one type of woman.

When I spoke with Bibi Lynch about hosting the event, she shared something that stuck with me. "I've never really felt like it represented me," she told me. "I'm a fascinating mix heritage-wise. I'm not middle class, not wealthy, not a homeowner, and I feel like all those aspirations are the white feminist kind of aims—not really including anyone else."

Creating Space for "Non-Niche" Perspectives

During our conversation, Bibi made me really lean in when she mentioned: "I read a quote once about if there's a Black woman in the feminist meeting, her ideas are dismissed because they're 'too niche'... They're only for non-white women. That's bullshit."

Her words cut right to the heart of feminism's big failure. When movements treat concerns of women of colour as "special interest issues" rather than core feminist concerns, they're keeping up the very power structures they claim to be fighting.

That's why this Business Brunch matters. They're not bringing diverse voices as tokens. These voices are essential contributors to a more complete picture of gender equality. Bibi reminded me about the Me Too movement—founded by Tarana Burke in 2006, not in 2017 "when the white power movement got involved." How often are the contributions of women of color erased from feminist stories?

Men as Active Participants, Not Silent Observers

Yes, the panel is all women (it is International Women's Day, after all), but men are absolutely welcome—not as silent observers but as active participants in creating change.

As Bibi put it, "We need everyone involved to make it fly, to get the parity and equality across everywhere."

This gets at something I deeply believe: gender equality isn't a "women's issue." It's a human issue that needs everyone on board. The event gives men a chance to learn without feeling attacked: "This won't be man-bashing, but it will say, what have the challenges been? Has any of it been in the misogyny field? And what can men do?"

If you're a man thinking about attending, please know this: come with curiosity, not guilt. Bibi hopes men will leave thinking, "Maybe I didn't know that happened, and maybe I was a bit blind to that, but now I know I can be part of stopping it. If I see it happening again, I can call it out."

The "Effervescent" Moments of Connection

What I love most about events like this is what I described to Bibi as those "effervescent" moments of understanding—when something clicks, perspectives shift, and people feel drawn closer together.

Bibi shared a story that perfectly captures this. She's been challenging exclusionary language around parenthood for years. After consistently pointing out problematic phrases, her friend's 21-year-old daughter told her, "I pull people up when they say that now." When Bibi asked why, she simply replied, "Because I heard you say it."

That's how change happens—in ripples that spread far beyond a single conversation. The Business Brunch aims to create many such moments—not through shame or guilt, but through genuine connection and understanding.

Actionable Strategies You Can Take Away

Whether you're a man supporting women or a white woman supporting women of colour, attendees will walk away with practical tools:

1. Spot exclusionary language. You'll learn to catch those seemingly innocent phrases that subtly exclude (like "as a mother" or "hard-working families" instead of "hard-working people").

2. Speak up, not just agree silently. Discover specific ways to call out exclusion when you see it.

3. Make room for diverse voices. Learn how to make sure different perspectives aren't brushed off as "niche" but seen as vital to the conversation.

4. Build inclusive spaces. Get practical tips for creating events and workplaces where everyone truly belongs.

5. Connect across differences. Develop skills for having conversations that build bridges instead of walls.

Join the Event at Platf9rm Hove on March 8th

This Business Brunch marks an exciting shift in how we celebrate International Women's Day. They're bringing together women from a spectrum of backgrounds, women of colour, and "some of the more classic sort of business owners," creating a space where all experiences matter equally.

It feels evident that there has been a lot of care to make sure this event isn’t just another tribute to white feminism but instead a truly inclusive space where everyone's voice can be heard.

Whether you run a business and want to make it more inclusive, you're looking to be a better ally, or you're just curious about expanding your perspective, this one looks like a unique chance to grow, connect, and leave with practical strategies for creating change.

I’m looking forward to joining them at Platf9rm in Hove on March 8th for the Kickass Collective 6.0 Business Brunch, and I hope to see you there too. Let’s all take part in shaping a feminism that belongs to everyone—and a business community where diversity isn't just a buzzword but a real strength that creates better outcomes for all.

Tickets available now. All genders welcome.

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