A Reflection on International Women’s Day Amidst Global Struggles

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a time dedicated to assessing progress towards gender equality, raising awareness about women’s issues, and mobilizing resources to address challenges. This year’s celebration is bittersweet, prompting reflection on the stark disparities faced by women worldwide.

It feels inappropriate to wish a ‘Happy International Women’s Day’ when you remember women in places like Palestine, Sudan, and Congo. Women endure hardships, deprived of feminine hygiene products, used as weapons of war, and subjected to starvation and violence.

Today, my thoughts turn to women trapped in war-torn areas, reduced to mere products of conflict. While we are celebrating women and the milestone achieved, we must not forget

• Women in Afghanistan who are denied digital freedom, education, and reliable online courses under Taliban rule. Poverty has gripped Afghan families as women lose jobs and income, exacerbating their plight.
• The high dropout rates of girls in countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, and parts of Africa. According to UNICEF, ´Around the world, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower-secondary school age, and 67 million of upper-secondary school age. In countries affected by conflict, girls are more than twice as likely to be out of school than girls living in non-affected countries´
• Women who are denied the basic right to movement and freedom. Countries like Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq impose restrictions, forcing women to seek permission and male escort.

These injustices persist in the 21st century. There are countries that shield rapists while punishing victims for daring to venture out without male escorts. Women deserve full human rights and an environment conducive to their thriving.

This International Women’s Day is a global plea to invest in women. The UN reports a decline in funding for gender equality initiatives, with male-led startups receiving significantly more financial support. The gender inequality gap is projected to persist for another 130 years at this rate.

To invest in women:

• Support Women-Led Organizations: Contribute to organizations addressing women’s issues, especially in conflict zones.
• Pay Women Equally: Bridge the gender pay gap by fairly compensating women for their work.
• Challenge Double Standards: Stop perpetuating unrealistic expectations and double standards for women.
• Create Safe Spaces: Invest in safe places and workplaces for women, fostering environments free from harassment and discrimination.
• Foster Opportunities: Provide equal opportunities for women to contribute to societal development, acknowledging their potential.

In the words of the Former President of the United States of America, ”You know, we’re in a sports center. Imagine if you have a team and you don’t let half of the team play. That’s stupid. That makes no sense. And the evidence shows that communities that give their daughters the same opportunities as their sons, they are more peaceful, they are more prosperous, they develop faster, they are more likely to succeed.”

As we extend our wishes for a ‘Happy International Women’s Day,’ let’s remember those for whom this day remains ordinary. Let us work collectively to ensure that the celebration includes all women, irrespective of their geographical location or circumstances.