INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2022
“Right now, the world seems like a dark and scary place, but much unites us - not least of which is International Women’s Day. It provides a chance for us all to come together in support of equality and in praise of women everywhere.”
Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD).
This day honours the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in all aspects of society - a topic as timely today in 2022 as it was when the first IWD was observed in 1911.
Right now, the world seems like a dark and scary place, but much unites us - not least of which is International Women's Day. It provides a chance for us all to come together in support of equality and in praise of women everywhere.
In 2022, we are invited to imagine a gender-equal world: a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. This year's theme is 'break the bias' #breakthebias
And, while a major day like today should be used as an opportunity to celebrate women, it’s important not to lose sight of the daily struggle that many women face just because they’re female.
How Are We Doing as a Society?
Wage gaps, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, violence against women—the list goes on.
While equality is a noble goal, it takes brave people who are willing to remove themselves from a toxic situation or speak up about their experiences with inequality for change to happen.
This is a day to think about how we can better include and support women in all aspects of life.
How good are we, really at empowering other WOMEN?
Women supporting women – it’s a lovely notion. But it’s not as widespread as it should be.
We are in an era of… ‘entitlement’, perhaps it has always been this way? I notice more and more that we are quick to judge, look for someone to point blame at when something goes wrong, or if come across something we don’t agree with.
Perhaps it’s too easy to sit around a table (or on social media) and decide who or what is responsible instead of looking to ourselves.
Cancel culture, a phenomenon that has culminated in an ability to permanently ruin another's reputation with only a few choice words or keystrokes has flourished. It’s a sort of ‘mob mentality’ sometimes leading to an individual being ostracised for something they have allegedly done or said, it is prime aim is to cause the person in question to feel rejected, humiliated, and unsupported. With power comes responsibility; if you have a platform in which you can influence or inspire others and make an impact, you also have a chance to encourage those same individuals to do great things.
International Women’s day 2022
It’s easy to dismiss International Women’s Day as an event for women by women, but I prefer to look at it differently…
International Women’s Day provides a space for people – whether male or female – to shine a light on gender inequality and call for change. International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to talk positively to and about women and girls; whilst raising awareness around issues such as violence against women.
This International Women’s Day, I’m hoping for a world where all women – regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic background – can live full lives free from violence and discrimination.
A world where girls get equal opportunities to realise their potential no matter where they are born; or who their parents are. A world where women aren't silenced (sometimes by other women) by fear of intimidation or abuse.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we were able to celebrate female achievements so loudly that there simply was no room left for misogyny or disrespect towards women and girls anywhere?
