On the eve of International Women’s Day, some may be quick to jump to the idea of establishing an International Men’s Day for fairness, not realizing it already exists on November 19. However, the call for such an occasion is not due to achieving gender equality but rather a reaction to the superficial and clichéd celebrations associated with International Women’s Day.
In a world where women face violence and discrimination daily, the tokenistic gestures made on International Women’s Day seem far from addressing the real issues at hand. Despite the ongoing struggles women face in various aspects of life, the corporate response often boils down to symbolic gestures like baking a cake or giving a brief inspirational speech.
The stark reality remains that only a small percentage of women hold top leadership positions in major companies, the gender pay gap persists, and women continue to face challenges in the workplace, especially during life-altering events like maternity leave. These issues are compounded when considering factors like ethnicity, religion, sexuality, disability, and socioeconomic status.
While acknowledging the privilege of living in a democratic society, it’s essential to recognize the global disparities faced by women. Positive actions to address these inequalities are crucial, and shedding light on them through a designated day of recognition can be a step in the right direction.
However, the themes chosen for International Women’s Day often fall short of addressing the core issues. From past themes encouraging symbolic gestures like posing in solidarity to forming heart shapes with hands, the focus on gimmicks rather than substantial change is evident. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” further highlights the disconnect between the symbolic gestures and the actual needs for progress.
Instead of superficial gestures, a call for attention to the gender pay gap, efforts to promote gender equity in career advancement, and advocacy for improved maternity and paternity benefits would be more meaningful contributions towards gender equality. Real change requires tangible actions, not just symbolic celebrations.
So, as we approach the next International Women’s Day, let’s aim for substantive progress that truly empowers women and promotes equality.