On International Women’s Day, we call to attention the ongoing challenges women still face in 2024.
History and significance of International Women’s Day
The inception of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, born from the labour movements across North America and Europe, which demanded better working conditions, equal pay, and the right to vote for women.
This day has grown to become a global observance that celebrates the achievements of women while also emphasising the continuous fight for gender equality.
Through decades of activism and advocacy, International Women’s Day has highlighted the progress made towards these goals and the long road still ahead.
Challenges women still face today
One of the most formidable challenges women confront is the glaring lack of representation in leadership roles. Despite modest increases in women’s presence at the top echelons of power, a stark disparity prevails.
In the political and corporate realms, women’s voices are significantly underrepresented, holding a mere fraction of parliamentary seats, local government positions, and management roles.
This scarcity of women in decision-making positions hampers the development of comprehensive policies that cater to the needs of all societal segments, thereby perpetuating a cycle of inequality that transcends generations.
The economic domain further exemplifies the multifaceted challenges women face, with over 340 million women and girls projected to live in extreme poverty by 2030.
The chasm between men and women in the workforce is profound, with a substantial gap in labour force participation rates and wage disparity where women earn significantly less than men for equivalent work.
This economic disenfranchisement is compounded by a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work borne by women, further curtailing their opportunities for educational and employment advancements.
The cultural landscape is rife with practices and norms that continue to undermine women’s rights and freedoms.
Harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation persist, highlighting the urgent need for societal attitudinal shifts and robust legal frameworks to protect and empower women and girls.
Moreover, the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls, with millions experiencing physical and sexual violence, highlights the critical need for enhanced protection mechanisms and supportive services.
Microaggressions in the workplace represent another layer of challenges, where everyday discrimination based on gender, race, or other aspects of identity exerts a significant toll on women’s mental health and career progression.
Women, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, are more likely to experience microaggressions, which can lead to decreased psychological safety, increased stress, and higher burnout rates.
This toxic environment necessitates a reevaluation of corporate cultures and the implementation of targeted interventions to create inclusive and supportive workplaces.
The role of men in achieving gender equality
Men’s involvement is imperative in the journey towards gender equality.
By challenging ingrained social norms and behaviours that contribute to sexism and inequality, men can support significant progress in this area.
This includes advocating for equitable policies, engaging in dialogues aimed at reducing gender biases, and recognising as well as opposing sexism in everyday situations.
Men’s active participation and solidarity in feminist movements can help dismantle the patriarchal structures that perpetuate gender disparities, marking crucial steps towards achieving true equality for all.
The road ahead in addressing the challenges women still face in 2024 is fraught with obstacles. Yet, with concerted efforts from all sectors of society, significant strides can be made towards achieving gender equality.
By recognising and actively addressing these challenges, we can work towards a future where gender equality is not an aspiration but a reality.
