International Women’s Day celebrated on the 8th of March serves as a cornerstone for celebrating women’s accomplishments, amplifying discussions on gender equality, advocating for swifter progress towards parity, and mobilizing resources for women-centric initiatives.
This year’s theme is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate Progress’ which means investing in gender equality and women’s empowerment, an incredibly smart investment to generate economic growth, food security, income opportunities, and better lives, particularly in rural areas where most of the world’s poorest live.
The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.
International Women’s Day should be an everyday celebration to make a positive difference in women.
The celebration calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected.
Participating in International Women’s Day can drive recognition for women. “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment,” the organizers said.
Women still face challenges getting equal pay and leadership positions because women are seen as vulnerable but that should not be the case.
Africa needs to ensure that across the continent, women’s rights are enshrined in law and enforced by authorities. Many African countries sign up for international or regional treaties but do not implement them. Governments need to institute and enforce legal rights and put in place enabling policies and regulations that drive progress toward gender.
Women Embracing Obstacles As Opportunities
Against all odds, women persevered. Despite facing countless obstacles and setbacks, women refused to give up on their dreams. People doubted them and told them that they would never make it, but they refused to listen. They knew that deep down, they were capable of achieving great things, and were determined to prove everyone wrong.
Women from all aspects of the world face battles but they struggle to push through because the challenges seem surmountable.
The refusal to allow fear and doubt, but rather embracing the obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn by becoming stronger and more resilient, never held women back in their endeavors.
Women face rejection after rejection, but instead of letting it defeat them, they encourage themselves to keep going even in their storms.
Every woman’s ‘No’ brings her one step closer to a ‘Yes’. It is not about how it is said but it is about how it is presented.
Perseverance pays off when one works hard and is determined to sail through the storms of life. Women are created in a way that when they’re provoked in the likes of their capabilities, another side of them is seen.
Against all odds, their goals are achieved and everyone is proved wrong for sabotaging them for their capability of achieving the impossible.
The story of women’s perseverance in acquiring their potential gives a clear notion that one should not expect any validation from others.
Women’s story serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible, adding that no one should ever give up, no matter how tough the journey may be. Against all odds, one can succeed.
In a world facing multiple crises that are putting immense pressure on communities, achieving gender equality is more vital than ever.
Ensuring women’s and girls’ rights across all aspects of life is the only way to secure prosperous and just economies and a healthy planet for future generations.
As the old African proverb says “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family (nation)”.
