⏰ 3
March 8 is more than just a date—it is a call to action. This year, under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, we celebrate progress while acknowledging the challenges that still stand in the way of true gender equality. It is a day to reflect, recognize, and recommit to building a world where every woman and girl can live with dignity, free from discrimination and injustice.
The Reality: A Fight for Basic Rights
Despite making up nearly half of the global population, women and girls still face significant barriers to equality. Over 2.4 billion women worldwide lack the same economic opportunities as men. Gender-based violence affects one in three women in their lifetime, while legal discrimination persists in over 100 countries, restricting access to jobs, education, and property ownership.
These numbers represent real lives. They are the young girls denied an education simply because of their gender. They are the mothers walking miles each day for clean water, sacrificing time and energy that could have been spent improving their futures. They are the women striving to enter male-dominated industries, only to be paid 20% less than their male colleagues for the same work. Gender inequality is not just a statistic—it is an everyday reality for millions.
Progress and the Road Ahead
Women continue to break barriers, leading innovations in technology, driving social movements, and holding leadership positions in unprecedented numbers. Their contributions are undeniable, yet systemic inequalities persist. Workplace discrimination, gender pay gaps, and economic instability continue to hold women back. The rapid advancement of AI and automation threatens to disproportionately impact women in low-income jobs, further widening the economic divide.
Safety remains a major concern. Women face not only physical violence but also new forms of digital threats, from cyber harassment to deepfake abuse. Meanwhile, reproductive rights and access to healthcare remain under constant political debate, stripping women of autonomy over their own bodies. Climate change further compounds these issues, displacing millions, with women—who often have fewer resources—among the most vulnerable.
What Needs to Change
Gender equality demands action, not just awareness. Women need greater opportunities in technology and leadership through mentorship, scholarships, and inclusive hiring. Stronger legal protections must combat workplace discrimination, online harassment, and gender-based violence, with governments and businesses ensuring enforcement.
Women’s rights should be a daily priority, not just in times of crisis. Education and leadership opportunities must be accessible to all girls, and female leaders must be supported to drive change. Closing the gender pay gap, expanding education, and holding perpetrators of violence accountable are essential steps forward.
Men also play a crucial role—challenging harmful norms, advocating for workplace equity, and sharing responsibilities at home. A world where women thrive benefits everyone.
A Future That Can’t Wait
International Women’s Day is more than a celebration—it is a demand for justice, safety, and inclusion. While we have made strides, the fight for gender equality is far from over. This is not just about recognizing achievements; it is about demanding more—more rights, more opportunities, and more protection for women and girls everywhere.
The road ahead requires collective action. We must amplify voices, push for better policies, and build a future where every woman and girl has the chance to succeed. A fair and equal world is not just possible—it is necessary. And the time to act is now.
Source:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day
By: Tasmim Sultana Mouly – Roay Institute in Bangladesh
