On International Women’s Day (March 8), women in the United States should insist on getting fairly counted.

For women and families struggling in this economy, completing a census form might be the last thing we can make time for. But by taking just 10 minutes to fill out the census form that will soon arrive in your mailbox, you can help get urgent community problems addressed and solutions fairly funded.

A myriad of federal programs rely on the census to set funding levels. By completing your census form, you ensure funding for public education, child care and public transportation.

Some women may feel afraid to fill out the census. Women who are survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault may be reluctant to report their addresses. But your answers are 100 percent confidential. And keep in mind: funding for many programs designed for survivors of domestic violence rests with allocations determined by the count.

Women in migrant families may also be skeptical about reporting their residence or reaping the benefits of federal programs. But rest assured, the Census Bureau will not share data with any other agencies. It’s against the law. Immigrant and refugee communities, with or without documentation, can complete the census without fear. There are no questions regarding citizenship or documentation in the 2010 census.

Million of people in this country, including members of the organization where I work, 9to5, rely on vital services that could go underfunded if you don’t fill out your census form.

For women who care about their households, their communities and their nation’s public services, taking a few minutes to complete a census form will go a long way toward getting a fairer distribution of resources. Crucial services such as the provision of food stamps and the funding of child care depend on an accurate count.

As women, we’ve been counted out for too long. This International Women’s Day, let’s fill out a census form and let everyone know we count.

Sangita Nayak is the lead organizer at 9to5 Milwaukee, and has been engaging in community organizing for the last decade. She can be reached at pmproj [at] progressive [dot] org.