Embracing Equity: International Women’s Day 2023
International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed annually on March 8th to recognize and celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements around the world. It is also a day to raise awareness about the obstacles that women continue to face in achieving gender equality, as well as to advocate for women’s rights and empowerment and to inspire change for the future.
The global theme for 2023 is #EmbraceEquity, highlighting the need to create a more equitable society for women. By embracing equity and working towards a more inclusive society, we can create a world where women are free to achieve their full potential and where gender equality is a reality for all.
The Origins of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day dates back to the early 1900s when women worldwide were fighting for their rights, such as the right to vote, better conditions, and a finish to gender discrimination. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City’s streets, demanding higher pay, fewer hours, and the right to vote.
On February 28th of the following year, the United States observed the first National Women’s Day. At the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, suggested the creation of an international day to honor women’s achievements and advocate for their rights. The proposal was accepted unanimously, and the first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
Since then, International Women’s Day has been observed on March 8th every year, and it has become a global phenomenon. It is a day that honors women’s struggles and sacrifices throughout history, as well as their achievements in fields such as politics, science, literature, art, and sports.
Leadership Challenges for Women
While women’s governance during the pandemic was admirable, there remain multiple challenges that women face in positions of leadership. Women continue to face workplace discrimination and bias, such as pay inequality and restricted access to leadership roles.
The pandemic has also highlighted the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work that falls on women. Women are more likely to care for children, the elderly, and family members with disabilities. Women’s advantages for career progression and leadership positions may be hampered by unpaid care work.
Women from marginalized groups face additional barriers to positions of leadership. They are frequently subjected to discrimination and bias as a result of their race, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation.
Celebrating Progress:
Women have advanced greatly in several fields throughout the years. Women excel in previously male-dominated areas, such as politics, sports, and entrepreneurship. There are more women in leadership roles than ever before, and women are breaking glass ceilings and shattering stereotypes. Women now occupy more high-level positions in business, politics, and academia than ever before. In many countries, laws and policies have been put in place to address issues like gender-based violence, unequal pay, and discrimination. Women’s contributions to society, culture, and the economy are being recognized, and women’s voices are being heard more than ever before.
Reflecting on Other Challenges:
Despite the progress that women have made, there are still many challenges that women face. In several fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, (STEM) women are still underrepresented. Women still face gender-based violence, discrimination, and harassment, and many women continue to earn less than men for doing the same job. Gender-based violence remains a pervasive problem worldwide, with women experiencing physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Women are also disproportionately affected by poverty and lack of access to basic resources like education and healthcare.
Paving the Way Forward:
On Women’s Day 2023, we must pledge to continue working toward gender equality. We need to create an inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive and succeed. We need to break down barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential and create equal opportunities for women in all fields. We must work to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment and ensure that women’s voices are heard and valued in all aspects of society. We need to continue empowering women and girls to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
