Every International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women across the world and recognise the struggles that remain. This year, as we reflect on progress and ongoing injustices, we must also acknowledge the often-overlooked role of women in resisting war and militarism.
Women have historically been at the forefront of peace movements, challenging the systems that sustain war, advocating for diplomacy over destruction, and building communities based on justice rather than violence.
Women’s resistance to war
From the suffragettes’ opposition to World War I to modern-day activists campaigning against military occupation and arms proliferation, women’s voices have consistently called for peace. The costs of war are not only counted in lives lost on the battlefield but also in the devastation of civilian communities, the displacement of families, and the economic burdens that fall disproportionately on women.
One such woman who stood against the machinery of war was Edith Cavell, a British nurse executed for helping soldiers escape during World War I. Though often remembered for her bravery, her words carried a deeper message about war itself. She said:
"Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone."
These words, often cited without their full context, serve as a reminder that true peace is not just the absence of war but the presence of justice and reconciliation. Cavell’s legacy, like that of countless women before and after her, calls us to challenge militarism at its root.
Militarism, women, and the UK tax system
Today, women’s struggle for peace continues, not just in war zones but within our own policies. The UK government spends billions on military budgets, while underfunding vital public services like healthcare, education, and social care, services that disproportionately impact women.
At Conscience: Taxes for Peace, Not War, we believe that women should have the right to direct their taxes toward peacebuilding rather than war. Just as women have historically fought for the right to vote, to work, and to control their own bodies, we should also have the right to ensure that our contributions to society are not used for destruction.
A call to action
On this International Women’s Day, let’s honour the legacy of women like Edith Cavell, not by remembering their words in isolation, but by acting on their principles. Let’s push for a world where tax policies reflect the values of peace and justice, where military spending is redirected toward conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and social services that build true security.
This year, we call on all who believe in a fairer, more peaceful world to join us in demanding a conscientious objection to military taxation. Women have always resisted war, not just on the battlefield, but in policy, activism, and everyday life. It’s time for our voices to shape the future.
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