Picture a future where men and women are treated equally. A world without prejudice, stereotypes, or discrimination. A world that’s varied, equal, and inclusive. A world in which diversity is cherished and celebrated. Picture the International Women’s Day, a worldwide celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments. The day is celebrated on 8th March every year as a rallying point for women’s equality.
International Women’s Day has been celebrated for nearly a century, with over a million people attending the first celebration in 1911. Today, International Women’s Day is a global phenomenon that affects all communities. It is not limited to a single country, group, or organization.
The Theme of International Women’s Day 2022
Today’s International Women’s Day will be commemorated under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. In the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction, which are some of the major global concerns of the twenty-first century, the year 2022 is critical for achieving gender equality. A sustainable future, much alone an equal future, is out of reach without gender equality now.
This year’s International Women’s Day commemoration is in honor of the women and girls who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation and response, as well as their leadership and contribution to a more sustainable future. UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous reminds us to use this International Women’s Day to remind ourselves that we have the answers, not just for SDG 5, but for all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, through advancing gender equality. We can achieve women’s equality by working together. We can all work together to achieve our goals.
Significance of International Women’s Day
It’s no secret; the future is female, and March is designated as Women’s History Month around the world, with International Women’s Day honoring women’s cultural, political, and social achievements. The day is a plea for a world that is gender-equal, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, and diverse, equitable, and inclusive, with differences acknowledged and cherished. International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate progress toward gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as to critically reflect on those accomplishments and strive for a greater momentum toward gender equality globally, according to UNESCO. It’s a day to celebrate women’s outstanding achievements and to unite as a force to push gender equality around the world.
We now grasp the critical link between gender, social equity, and climate change, and we recognize that without gender equality today, a sustainable, equal future remains elusive. The climate crisis has the greatest impact on women and girls because it exacerbates existing gender inequities and puts women’s lives and livelihoods in jeopardy. Women around the world rely on natural resources more than men, but have less access to them, and often face disproportionate responsibility for providing food, water, and fuel.
Women and girls are crucial to leading and driving change in climate adaptation, mitigation, and solutions since they bear the brunt of climate consequences. It is improbable that solutions for a sustainable planet and a gender-equal future tomorrow would be accomplished without the participation of half of the world’s people.
This International Women’s Day, join UN Women and the rest of the world in calling for climate action for women, by women. Keep in mind, the most common way we give up our power is by thinking we don’t have any. So, here’s to empowering women for a sustainable tomorrow. Happy International Women’s Day!
