Embracing inclusion on International Women’s Day

From the editor’s desk

Each year, on March 8th, the globe unites to commemorate International Women's Day—an occasion devoted to honoring women's accomplishments, advocating for gender equality, and raising awareness about women's rights. This year, the theme of International Women's Day 2024 is "Promoting Inclusion," emphasizing the significance of embracing diversity and ensuring the inclusion and appreciation of women from all walks of life. Inclusion goes beyond being a mere catchphrase; it represents a foundational principle at the core of gender equality and empowerment. Inclusion means forging a world where every woman, irrespective of her background, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or beliefs, has the opportunity to flourish and thrive. It's about dismantling barriers and creating a society where every voice is heard and every experience is respected.

At the heart of advancing inclusion lies the recognition and celebration of the varied experiences of women. Women come from a multitude of backgrounds, and their encounters are influenced by elements like race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and beyond. By acknowledging and respecting these diverse experiences, we guarantee that every woman is included and afforded the opportunity to actively participate in society.

Promoting inclusion also entails addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination and inequality that women encounter. Women from marginalized communities— such as women of color, indigenous women, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities—often face unique challenges and obstacles to equality. An intersectional approach to gender equality ensures that our efforts are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all women.

Education serves as a potent tool for promoting inclusion and empowering women. Access to quality education enables women to seize economic opportunities, participate in decision-making processes, and advocate for their rights. However, millions of girls worldwide still face barriers to education due to factors like poverty, discrimination, and conflict. On International Women's Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to providing every girl with a quality education and the chance to fulfill her potential.

Apart from education, economic empowerment plays a crucial role in nurturing inclusion and gender parity. With access to economic resources and opportunities, women can sustain themselves and their families, make meaningful contributions to their communities, and engage actively in the economy. However, women often face substantial obstacles to economic empowerment, such as unequal pay, restricted access to credit and financial services, and limited entrepreneurial prospects. On International Women's Day, it's imperative to work towards dismantling these barriers and cultivating a more inclusive economy that enables all women to prosper.

Representation also plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusion. Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across various sectors, from politics and business to academia and media. When women lack representation in positions of power and influence, their voices are marginalized, and their needs are often overlooked.

On International Women's Day, let's advocate for increased representation of women in leadership roles and work to cultivate more inclusive and diverse institutions.

Eliminating violence against women is crucial for promoting inclusion and gender equality. This pervasive issue affects women from diverse backgrounds and represents a violation of their fundamental human rights, hindering their complete engagement in society. On International Women's Day, let us reaffirm our dedication to eradicating all forms of violence against women and guaranteeing that survivors access the assistance and resources necessary for their recovery and empowerment.

Ultimately, promoting inclusion requires collective action.

Whether it's advocating for policy reforms, supporting grassroots organizations, or challenging discriminatory attitudes, each of us has a role to play in creating a more inclusive and equitable world for women.

On International Women's Day, let's pledge to champion inclusion and empower women everywhere. Together, we can build a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of her circumstances or background.