No War in Our Feminism

We mark International Women’s Day 2026 in an era of escalating global violence. International Women’s Day is intrinsically linked to the struggle for peace.

Reclaim the Agenda (RTA) affirms our opposition to the intensifying militarism captivating many political leaders. Mobilising the military-industrial complex is not the solution to austerity, homelessness and a crumbling NHS. Militarism conversely offers titanic military spending, further eroding our already compromised welfare provision.

War destroys lives, communities, infrastructure and the environment, when the need is to build, improve lives and the ecosystem. A booming capitalist, privatised war market guarantees power elites the obscenity of ever-accumulating wealth, condemning the rest of us to ever-increasing inequality, poverty, death and destruction

It is imperative that we redefine societal priorities and dismantle the inequalities that maintain, replicate and promote violent logics and behaviours.

A recent Ministry of Defence paper examining the UK contribution to European Security complained that British ‘readiness’ for war is ‘suffering’ owing to present budgetary constraints. The MOD and government recognise the need for public support that will necessitate public ‘sacrifice’ essential to ensure the exorbitant expenditure desired for the ‘defence posture’ to which Britain aspires.

RTA rejects the militarist values deeply rooted in capitalist, nationalist, misogynistic and discriminatory ideologies. We reject entrenched inequalities that decide who holds and wields power. We reject the dynamics of exclusion, the racism and ‘othering’ that separate us from each other at home and abroad. RTA salutes the proud tradition of Rosa Luxemburg, Clara Zetkin and Russia’s working-class women, who were the catalyst for International Women’s Day and stood against war then as we stand against war today.