Sisterhood Worldwide: Progress & Parity

Written by Charles Wekesa

March 8^th is known as  International Women’s Day, yet we also celebrate women all month in March. During this month we celebrate the women who are working as activists, educators, farmers, mothers, entrepreneurs, etc.  EBLM would like to acknowledge the remarkable women who hold communities together. They demonstrate unwavering strengths while facing challenges like sexual harassment, limited education for girls and poor access to healthcare. This month is a reminder that compels us to stand united with them, investing in their futures and accelerating progress.

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements and the ongoing fight for equality. But its roots trace back to the early 1900s labor movements in North America and Europe, where women rallied for basic rights like work and voting.  Women sought the right to live free from discrimination, get training, work, vote, and hold office. In 1975, the United Nations recognized this day and global significance was solidified.

While International Women’s Day represents a celebration of women’s accomplishments, it is also a call to action against gender inequalities that still linger in most societies. We should invest in programs that eliminate gender-based violence and propel women’s leadership so that they have a voice in politics, technology, peacebuilding, and healthcare – just to name a few. Dismantling the patriarchy requires resources, not just words.

A staggering number of women and girls endure exclusion, unfair treatment, and violence. This ongoing crisis of violence against women is a stain on humanity.  We need more than just 1 month a year to highlight these struggles. These areas of focus remind us of the complexity of women’s lives, such that gender converges with race, class, and ethnicity to shape experiences of limited opportunities and prejudice. When women are abused, usually children are also adversely affected. Raising the voice and concerns of women will positively impact our future as a society.

The global representation of women in the workforce is still significantly low. Women are frequently pushed into jobs offering lower pay and less security. The pay gap based on gender is a manifestation of inequality, and its persistence across countries and industries reflecting an undervaluation of work typically performed by women. With women’s corporate leadership roles and political representation remaining low, inclusive practices to empower their full participation at all decision-making levels is crucial in getting rid of these barriers.  

As an example, COVID-19 was a global crisis that hit women and girls the hardest, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities and highlighting the importance of addressing gender disparities in how we respond to and recover from such crises. Women played a crucial role in healthcare, caregiving, innovation, and combating the pandemic. Yet, their needs and contributions are frequently ignored when it comes to healthcare systems and economic recovery plans.

While we celebrate women’s achievements this month, we must acknowledge that progress has left some far behind and it’s time for change. Let this be a clarion call to champion gender equality and relentless push for a future where none are excluded, and all can flourish. Vital tools like education, awareness-raising, and vocal advocacy can chip away at prejudice and patriarchy by removing barriers, and ultimately fostering environments where all women and girls can blossom and realize their full potential.