One of the three rules of A Day Without a Woman is to avoid spending money with the exception of small, female-owned businesses. If you’re looking for one, look no further. Williamsburg resident Julia Small O’Kelly opened Smallhome in the neighborhood three years ago as a way to sell her own pieces, such as her “tiny taxidermy” lamps and maps on cork board. The store has since flourished into a place where you can find a variety of small creations from mostly local, mostly female artists.
This Wednesday, International Women’s Day also happens to be #adaywithoutawoman. Last month, the folks behind the Women’s March on Washington announced plans for a nationwide women’s strike. Although there’s been some criticism of the march, it’s soldiering forth in defending reproductive rights, LBGTQIA rights, the rights of people with disabilities, and immigrant rights, among many others. Organizers are calling on women to 1) take the day off from work if possible, 2) wear red, and 3) refrain from spending money unless the business is small or female-owned. Here in New York, there are a number of ways to show solidarity.