Imagine a gender-equal world. A world that is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all Embrace Equity. International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The day is marked through many activities worldwide as groups come together to celebrate Women’s achievements and rally for women’s equality.
This day can be marked by;
- Celebrating women’s achievements
- Educating and raising awareness for women’s equality
- Lobby for accelerated gender parity
- Call for positive change in advancing women
- Fundraise for charities focused on women
This year’s International Women’s Day global theme is ’EmbraceEquity’ the campaign is clear that equal opportunities aren’t enough. To truly embrace equity, means to sincerely believe, value, and seek out the difference as a necessary and positive element of life. To meet the theme of the year you need to understand the journey toward the attainment of women’s equality.
Gender is a category of identity that can dignify every single person. Achieving gender equality by 2030 requires a combined effort of all regardless of gender. Including men in the fight for gender equality is a priority. To achieve gender equality we all have to challenge ourselves to think outside these restrictive boxes and recognize other gender identities that have to be included when fighting for equality. While International Women’s Day is an event gender equality should be a consistently and consciously followed culture.
To make progress towards a gender-equal world of work, previously feminized jobs gain higher status through technological upgrading, mirroring discriminatory gender norms and market powers. To overcome this, we must equip women and girls with the skills for future work while transforming gender norms. This is achieved through rethinking leadership when we enhance awareness and drive change towards gender-neutral leadership development efforts, promoting core leadership potential in terms of unbiased competencies.
Despite the advances made by women, it is important to remember the structural challenges they face. Acknowledging the systematic violence against women and actively pushing back against it. Adopt and implement protective legislation that ensures access to legal, social, and medical services, and fosters a culture of safety and equality.
Even today, women are neither treated equally nor given equal opportunities as men. An international day such as International Women’s Day can be a forum to amplify women’s agenda. This can also be a day that unites women in demanding a more proactive approach from global leaders. On this day women can come together to demand equal rights and equal opportunities for women around the world, they are also able to air out issues regarding violence against women, and together, women are able to strengthen and encourage one another.
While this day looks at the challenges women the world over face, it is also a cheerful, loving celebration for all women. Celebrate the women in your life and let them know they are appreciated.
