Accelerate Equity: The global themes for this year’s International Women’s Day are Embrace Equity and Accelerate Equality. The strong messages, which were adopted and celebrated by major organizations, associations, civil societies, governments and non-government organizations (NGOs) all over the world, need more attention, rather than restricting to one day. Although this year’s women’s day celebrations were marked by these messages, there is a more significant need to make them a part of our regular lives, so women do not wait a full year to be acknowledged for the recognition of their everyday struggles.
Women have always been the backbone of our society, selflessly taking up roles and responsibilities that often go unnoticed and unappreciated. The #AccelerateEquality initiative aims to close gender gaps and promote women’s and girls’ empowerment to drive transformative change. Every woman, whether from a developing country or a developed part of the world, has several challenges to brace up for every day. These are not always documented, talked about or discussed on a community level, but are withheld within every woman’s subconscious.
With #EmbraceEquity trending on social media, people all across the world are emphasizing having gender equity. Equality is the goal and equity is the means to get there.
International Women’s Day is an occasion that throws light on issues facing women across societies, ethnicities and cultures around the world. It not only shows a path but urges every individual to take the light further and amalgamate the messages given on the day, to form an inseparable part of one’s belief system. Interestingly, International Women’s Day has its roots in the labour movement and was first observed in the United States in 1909 to commemorate a strike by female garment workers. The day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1975 and has since become a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action to address gender inequality and promote women’s empowerment.
Women’s many roles
Women are nurturers, caregivers, and providers. They work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of their families, often putting their own needs and desires aside. They juggle multiple responsibilities, from managing the household to pursuing their careers, without complaining or seeking recognition.
The importance of women in our lives cannot be overstated. They are our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and friends. They provide us with unconditional love and support and are always there for us through thick and thin. Women inspire us to be better versions of ourselves and strive for excellence in everything we do.
Despite their many challenges and obstacles, women have always risen to the occasion, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. They have proven time and again that they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to, and that they are just as deserving of respect and opportunities as men.
Accelerate Equity: Women’s role in shaping today’s world
Women have played a crucial role in shaping the world we live in today. From Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, to Malala Yousafzai, the young activist fighting for girls’ education, women have made significant contributions in fields ranging from science and technology to politics and social justice.
Let us take a moment to appreciate the women in our lives and acknowledge their contributions to our society. Let us strive to create a world where women are valued and respected, where their voices are heard and their rights are protected. Let us work towards gender equality and empower women to realize their full potential. Women are the backbone of our society and play a vital role in shaping our world. Their selflessness, strength, and resilience inspire us to be better versions of ourselves, and their contributions to our society cannot be overstated. Let us not restrict ourselves to International Women’s Day to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women and pledge to create a world where they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
The author is based in Toronto, Canada, and works as a researcher for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Ontario Tobacco Research Unit.
(Views expressed above, solely belong to the author)
