This past weekend, I followed a Facebook conversation between two women writers I admire. The discussion was sparked by International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8. Interestingly, one woman shared her decision not to celebrate, citing recent painful experiences with other women. The other countered, saying she would commemorate the day, particularly in honour of the incredible women in her life, including her mother, who ensured that her daughters received an education.
While I acknowledge both perspectives, as it is no secret that people are not always kind to one another, I align with the woman who chooses to celebrate IWD. Like her, I choose to focus on honouring the many extraordinary women in my life, including friends who anchored me, mentors who challenged me, loving maternal figures, and strangers whose work continues to inspire me.
But IWD is about more than personal reflection. This year’s theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. The 2024 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report estimates that achieving full gender parity will take 134 years, roughly five generations. Meanwhile, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation highlights a troubling reality: enacting more laws to protect women from violence does not always lead to a reduction in violence. The Institute for Security Studies further stresses that gender equality is not just a human rights issue but an economic one, as reducing gender inequality in Africa could add $259 billion to the continent’s economy by 2043.
Considering these statistics and the broader global landscape, where challenges such as teen pregnancies, child marriages, economic disparities, and high rates of femicide persist, it is important to recognize the progress made while acknowledging the long road ahead. That road includes both the “smaller,” yet significant, task of fostering better relationships among women and the “larger” responsibility of supporting global efforts to uplift all women and girls.