March 8th, International Women's Day, is a day that is dedicated to celebrating women's achievements in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is "Embrace Equity: People of the world understand why equal opportunities are not enough." This year's theme aims to emphasize the importance of gender equity and the need for society to understand the difference between equity and fairness. In this article, we will delve into the topic of gender equity and why it should be a part of every society.
Gender
Equity vs. Gender Equality
Gender equity is the process of ensuring that individuals,
regardless of their gender, have access to the same opportunities and resources.
It is not about treating everyone the same way, but rather recognizing that
people have different needs and providing them with what they need to succeed.
Gender equity is about fairness and ensuring that everyone has the same chance
to succeed.
Gender equality, on the other hand, means that everyone is
treated the same way, regardless of gender. While gender equality is important,
it does not always result in equity. For example, if women are not provided
with the same resources and opportunities as men, then gender equality cannot
be achieved.
The
Importance of Gender Equity
Focusing on gender equity should be a part of every society.
Women have made significant progress in various fields, including politics,
education, and business. However, despite these advancements, women continue to
face gender-based discrimination and inequality. Women still earn less than men
and are underrepresented in decision-making roles in both the public and
private sectors.
Furthermore, women are at a higher risk of violence,
harassment, and abuse, and are more likely to suffer from poverty and lack of
access to education and healthcare. These inequalities affect not only women
but also their families and communities.
Gender equity is important because it ensures that everyone
has an equal opportunity to succeed and live a fulfilling life. It allows for
the full potential of both men and women to be realized, which can have a
positive impact on the economy and society as a whole.
Embracing
Fairness
The theme for International Women's Day 2023, "People
of the world understand why equal opportunities are not enough,"
emphasizes the need for society to embrace fairness. Fairness means recognizing
that individuals have different needs and circumstances, and providing them with
the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Fairness also means standing up for justice wherever we are,
whether at work, among friends and family, or in our communities. We can all do
our part to influence equity and create a more just world.
Why
International Women's Day is Important
A question and curiosity for today's generation is why there
is a special day for women only. Modern people may think so as it may seem that
"women have won all the battles." However, while women have made
significant progress in the last century, there is still much work to be done
to achieve gender equity.
International Women's Day is important because it brings
attention to the ongoing struggle for gender equity and reminds us of the
progress that has been made. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women
and to recognize the barriers that still exist.
The History
of International Women's Day
The history of International Women's Day dates back over a
century. In 1908, a group of more than fifteen thousand women in New York City,
USA, demanded better wages, fixed working hours, and the right to vote. One year
later, in 1909, the Socialist Party of America announced the first Women's Day,
which was observed on February 28 of that year. The event was held in honor of
the garment workers' strike in New York City, where thousands of women
protested against their working conditions.
The following year, in 1910, a woman named Clara Zetkin
proposed the idea of an International Women's Day at a conference of working
women in Copenhagen, Denmark. The proposal was unanimously accepted, and the
first International Women's Day was observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria,
Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than one million women and men attended
rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, and hold public office.
The celebration of International Women's Day became an
annual event, and in 1913, it was decided to hold it on March 8 of each year.
The date was chosen because it marked an important moment in women's history –
the Russian Revolution of 1917, which began on March 8 on the Gregorian
calendar (February 23 on the Julian calendar then in use in Russia).
International Women's Day continued to be observed
throughout the twentieth century, with women's rights activists using it as a
platform to demand equality and justice. The United Nations officially recognized
the holiday in 1977 and declared March 8 as International Women's Day. Today,
the holiday is celebrated in countries around the world and is an occasion to
honor the achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality.
In my view, it is essential to support women who have been affected by war and other forms of conflict. These women often face significant disadvantages, such as displacement, violence, and limited access to healthcare and education. By providing resources and assistance tailored to their needs, we can help them to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities. This support may include things like counseling, vocational training, microfinance programs, and legal aid. It's crucial that we recognize the specific challenges faced by women in conflict-affected areas and work to address them through targeted interventions and advocacy efforts. Ultimately, by supporting these women, we can help to build a more just and equitable world for all.
S.Thanigaseelan
No comments:
Post a Comment