The opportunity on International Women's Day

Over the last 50 years, great leaps toward gender balance have been made. Doors have opened and women have created new, more fulfilling roles.

In many countries including our own, it’s quite normal for the younger generation to see impressive females they can emulate in almost all areas of society. This is all thanks to the collective hard work that’s been done over many, many years to make way for changes and attitude shifts.  

But, even in this country, there is still work to be done. Equal pay, fair opportunities and the physical safety of women are just a few areas needing progress. This journey toward gender parity is not just a job for women. It is the collective effort of all who care about human rights. We all play a role in making sure the future for women is opportunistic, equal, safe and fulfilling.

In many countries International Women's Day is an official holiday (of a similar status to Mother’s Day) where men and children honour their mothers, wives, sisters, girlfriends and colleagues with flowers and small gifts. This can be done without spending money. International Women's Day is not a day for commercial companies to profit or raise their own profile, but for societies to collectively move toward the equality of all people. 

On March 8^th,  International Women's Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate the huge achievements of women everywhere: socially, economically, culturally and politically. But, it's also a day to reflect and ask questions. How can we accelerate balance between genders over the coming years? What work is yet to be done? What action do we need to take to get there? 

 Photo credit: Irina Iriser via Unsplash