The International Women’s Day is held an nually on March 8 to celebrate women’s history and achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known, as the United Nation’s (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The Day is aimed at helping nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women while focusing on helping them gain full and equal participation in global development.
The International Women’s Day celebrates women’s deeds without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political, and reflects on these progresses to call for change where necessary. It is a day where acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities are applauded.
As is usually the custom, various women including political community and business leaders as well as entrepreneurs and television personalities are usually invited to speak on the importance of women in the society; their influence and issues that affects them. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments and more importantly, looking ahead to the untapped potentials and opportunities that await future generations of women.
Although much progress has been made to protect and promote women’s rights in recent times, but nowhere in the world can women claim to have all the same rights and opportunities as men. For example, the majority of the world‘s absolute poor are women, women receive between 30-40% less pay than men earn for the same work, women lack the right to own or manage agricultural land, they farm on abandoned, marginal or communal land, or land owned by others; women also continue to be victims of violence, rape and domestic violence listed as significant causes of disability and death among women worldwide.
However, great improvements have been made. We do have female world leaders and astronauts, school girls are welcomed into the University, women can work and have family and so, the tone and nature of the International Women’s Day has for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.
The United Nations (UN) theme for this year’s celebration is “Equality for Women is Progress for all”. It emphasizes low gender equality, empowerment of women, their full enjoyments of human rights and the eradication of poverty which are essential to economic and social development. It also stresses the vital role of women as agents of development in any society and attests to the undeniable fact that women are the pillars holding together, the corners of the home, society and the nation at large.
Woman is the companion of the man, gifted with equal mental capacity. Her combination of sterling qualities makes her man a victor, her engagements a success and her world, a place to be.
We know well that is our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters who make it happen. Women around the world are running countries, businesses and raising children. Can any man attempt such? Women are those who care better for the sick, care for their families and communities, and look after the most vulnerable in the society yet, their praises are never sung. “Women make it happen, but it doesn’t always happen for women”. Mahatma Ghandi saw the woman’s strength when he observed that “if by strength is meant moral power, the woman is immeasurably man’s superior… If non-violence is the law of our being, the future is women…”. Ban Ki-moon also confirms this when he noted that “countries with more gender equality have better economic growth, companies with more women leaders perform better, peace agreements that include women are more durable, parliaments with more women enact more legislation on key social issues such as health, education, anti-discrimination and child support”.
If women are this important, how do we appreciate their worth and what do we do to make the International Women’s Day count?
First, we need to know that women cannot be excluded from national and societal growth. History has told us of women, who led by the quest for justice and fairness excused the unjust demands of colonialists, through feminine power, and others who, led by women in Trade Unions fought for a “Women’s Day” decades ago. Together, we must ensure that the woman is safe and secure from gender-based violence; has Human Rights that are respected, including reproductive rights; she is empowered economically and in every way through education, equal opportunity, participation and leadership.
By working with men and boys, and doing it together, we will engage humanity in a task that is responsible for all. We should propagate this call for women and girls equality not simply because it is a matter of fairness and fundamental Human Rights, but because progress in so many areas depends on it.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we pay tributes to the countless women around the world who are making change every day as they go about their daily lives. We pay tributes to the likes of our First Lady, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, who led by genuine compassion for humanity has done what the Great Napoleon could not do. We doff our hats to women who have stood solidly behind their husbands to promote national growth, sustainable developments, peace and unity, and the likes of Mrs. Peace Christopher Udosen who as peacemakers, have helped to stabilize homes for the betterment of the society.
In moving forward, we must ensure that women’s empowerment and gender equality stands at the heart of all our work to craft a better future.
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