Editors Note

As we embrace this new month, it’s important to have a moment to reflect on generations that came before us and their impact on our lives today. This month is a reminder of the brave men and women who were wronged and put up a good fight to be where we are today.

We all need to act with the same level of responsibility that we want to see in our workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, personal relationships;, and in the future of our nation.

We should relish opportunities to endure and band together because we are embracing both who we once were and, more importantly, who we have become. By working together and taking things one step at a time, we’ll succeed.

Beginning with yourself, affect those around you on a personal and collective level. That is the true meaning behind nation building and working within “Ubuntu”.

I’d like to instill this quote from the late Tata Madiba, and he says “Each of us, is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country, as are the famous Jacaranda trees of Pretoria, and the Mimosa trees of the bushveld – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Resources

The annual celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, acts as an important focal point for the women’s rights movement and raises awareness of topics including gender parity, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women.

The IWD was first seen on February 28th, 1909, in New York City. Arranged by the Socialist Party of America at the activist Theresa Malkiel’s recommendation. There have been allegations that the occasion honoured a march by female garment workers that took place in New York on March 8, 1857, however researchers contend that this is a fabrication created to disassociate International Women’s Day from its socialist roots.

Prior to the Socialist Second International’s general assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark, in August 1910, an international socialist women’s conference was arranged. [19] German delegates Clara Zetkin, Käte Duncker, Paula Thiede, and others urged the creation of an annual “Women’s Day,” however no date was selected. This idea was partially inspired by American socialists.

The 100 delegates, who represented 17 nations, approved of the proposal as a means of advancing equal rights, including women’s suffrage. It was later adopted by other nations as well.

Since 2010, the IWD has developed themes focused on these problems women experience in order to raise awareness. The hashtag for this year’s topic is #EmbraceEquity. The aim is to give the understanding between equality and equity.

How important it is to acknowledge that every person has unique circumstances and that they should have the precise resources and opportunities needed to attain an equal result.

IWD believes that if we embrace equity, we embrace diversity. Are you in? Will you accept equity? Here’s how, though.

Give the planet a warm embrace. Make the IWD #EmbraceEquity stance to demonstrate your support.

To inspire people to contribute to the creation of an inclusive society, post your #EmbraceEquity image, video, resources, presentation, and articles on social media with the hashtag #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity. If you’re looking for other ways to support the IWD initiative, click the link below for further information.