There is this popular saying by Cherie Blair, the founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women that, “when you empower a woman, you empower a family, a community, and indeed a nation”. This quote encapsulates a powerful truth, which is that empowering a woman has a ripple effect, transforming not just her own life, but that of her family, community, and nation.
Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), a global observance dedicated to honouring the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of women across various spheres- past, present, and future. It is a day to recognise women who persistently defy barriers in diverse fields; women who motivate others to achieve success; women who challenge gender norms and prejudices hindering women’s advancement; and women who redefine what is achievable. These women consistently break stereotypes, pushing the limits of possibility and making meaningful contributions to society, paving the way for positive transformation and inspiring the generations to come. International Women’s Day is not only a time for reflection but also a call to action. International Women’s Day serves as a day to heighten awareness about gender disparities, advocate for women’s rights, acknowledge advancements made in attaining gender equality, and notably, mobilise a global call to accelerate women’s inclusion, equality, and empowerment in every aspect of society.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between advancements for women and societal progress as a whole. It underscores the vital importance of investing in women as a catalyst for accelerating progress across all spheres of life. This theme prompts us to reflect on the ongoing need to prioritise Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). While significant achievements have been made in these areas- such as increased representation of women in leadership roles, improved access to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare, as well as notable strides in workforce participation- persistent barriers and discrimination persist. Women continue to face challenges in accessing quality healthcare, making autonomous decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, and receiving adequate antenatal care. Additionally, violence against women and girls remains prevalent, gender-based wage disparities persist, and women are often subjected to threats to their security without adequate social protections. In the face of these ongoing challenges, many women find themselves constrained, unable to fully realise their potential. Addressing these barriers is essential not only for achieving gender equality but also for building a more equitable and inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive.
On this International Women’s Day, it is crucial to remember that empowering women not only benefits them individually but also strengthens the fabric of society, fostering inclusivity and development. Investing in women is paramount for driving societal advancement, stimulating economic prosperity, and realizing sustainable development goals. The pivotal question that often arises then is how individuals, groups, and governments can effectively invest in women to accelerate progress. Here are some ways through which such investment can be made:
1. Facilitating training and mentorship programmes tailored to empowering women and enhancing their skills and capabilities.
2. Providing platforms for women to assume leadership roles, thereby cultivating their leadership abilities, while also advocating for gender parity within corporate and formal environments.
3. Combatting entrenched social norms that perpetuate discrimination and hinder opportunities, while championing evidence-based policies for gender equality.
4. Strengthening land and property rights for women, thereby ensuring equitable access to resources for them.
5. Prioritising the health and well-being of women and girls through the provision of quality healthcare services and comprehensive health information.
6. Addressing systemic barriers and promoting gender-inclusive policies such as equal pay, parental leave, and accessible childcare services.
7. Enacting laws and policies that uphold women’s empowerment and dismantle discriminatory legal frameworks.
8. Facilitating connections between women and inspiring mentors who can provide guidance and support in achieving their aspirations.
9. Challenging traditional gender stereotypes and recommending initiatives that support women’s political participation.
10. Offering equitable access to quality education, leadership development, coaching, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls.
11. Cultivating inclusive workplaces that prioritise work-life balance and fostering environments free from harassment and discrimination.
12. Promoting gender equality in employment and closing the gender wage gap within formal workforces.
13. Implementing comprehensive programmes aimed at empowering women and girls economically, socially, and politically.
Empowering women politically, socially, and economically has a profound impact on society, leading to a decrease in gender-based violence and an increase in women’s engagement in socio-political activities. Likewise, as women thrive in the workforce, they gain greater autonomy to assert their rights. Furthermore, ensuring women have equal access to resources enables them to invest in themselves, driving innovation and improving their economic status. Additionally, granting them access to quality healthcare services and reproductive rights allows women to make informed decisions about their bodies and future. In other words, prioritising the economic empowerment, healthcare, political participation, and education of women can help to accelerate progress towards gender equality, creating a more inclusive society for all.
This year, the campaign theme “Inspire inclusion” aptly captures the ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity for women worldwide. It acknowledges the invaluable perspectives of women and celebrates their manifold contributions across various spheres of society. The campaign theme reminds us that genuine inclusion of women necessitates a holistic transformation in social, political, and economic frameworks, transcending mere tokenistic gestures. It calls upon us to ignite actions that dismantle barriers, defy stereotypes, and cultivate environments where every woman is valued and embraced, regardless of her background, race, ethnicity, or other identities. Through the lens of inspiring inclusion, the campaign endeavours to empower women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, enabling them to harness their expertise, insights, and talents to nurture a more equitable and inclusive society.
This year’s International Women’s Day serves as a vital reminder of our joint commitment to empowering women, accelerating progress, and nurturing an environment where every individual, irrespective of gender, can succeed. Like every year, today we are reminded that when women succeed, society as a whole prospers; when women uplift each other, extraordinary transformations occur. Let us unite in turning the challenges facing women into opportunities for growth, collectively shaping a more promising future for all. In closing, I echo this great quote, “behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back”.
Happy International Women’s Day.
Women, don’t ever forget that you are loved and appreciated.