Let’s celebrate International Women’s day

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. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.  The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March 2022 is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. 

It offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. 

International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to:

• celebrate women's achievements
• raise awareness about women's equality
• lobby for accelerated gender parity
• fundraise for female-focused charities

Living in an era of digitization with ample information across the world wide web, education is truly key with proper tools for awareness. Here are a few reasons of how and why we can help:

Equality: we can help empower women to build their own identity and life.

It is only a human right for women to have the same equal rights to be a part of communities, and participate in areas of interests such as education, economics, and even politics. 

So, how can we help? It’s simple – remove biases and move on! It might seem easy, but it can be difficult for some not to judge. Whenever you feel or think like you’re judging someone based on their gender, congratulations! Self awareness is the first step to overcoming what is wrong and what is right. Once you’ve realized what you’re doing, take a step back and put logic into the situation – are you judging based on gender bias or the person’s skills, attitude, etc.? 

When women are more confident, economic development increases.

According to the UN Women’s official website, “Empowering women in the economy and closing gender gaps in the world of work are key to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” [1].

When women are empowered, they will feel confident to lead the life they want and can independently feel secure in anything they do. Economic empowerment is significant in helping societies realize women’s rights and gender equality; it boosts productivity, increases a country’s economic power and diversification, income equality, and other development advantages and outcomes. 

Voice out when you witness discrimination or unfair treatment – your voice matters as it can help out your fellow female colleague significantly and build her confidence at the same time. 

It’s great for our future.

Women are the backbone of many successful endeavors, and also in raising our future leaders! Women empowerment is an essential component to raising happier, healthier children and  building communities while solidifying personalities, resulting in smart and sound individuals. 

When women live up to their full potential, they can help contribute to the workforce while upskilling at the same time. At a larger scale, this can help fuel positive social revolutions, economic development and sustainability, societal development, and achieve political balance. 

Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.

Are you in? Will you actively call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it?

Will you help break the bias? 

Cross your arms to show solidarity.

Strike the IWD 2022 pose and share your #BreakTheBias image, video, resources, presentation or articles on social media using #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias to encourage further people to commit to helping forge an inclusive world.

Imagine a gender equal world. A world 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 #BreakTheBias.

Notes: 

[1] UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment, Leave No One Behind: A Call to Action for Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Available here.