The Enduring Significance of International Women's Day

Guest Article by Gréta Csernik

Many (mainly Western) publications ask the question, "Do we even still need International Women's Day?" This question often arises from comparing women's advancements to the challenges faced by men, such as educational setbacks and rising suicide rates among young males. These are, of course, very valid concerns and alarming statistics, but International Women's Day (IWD) is not about contesting who suffers more. It is about raising awareness of the unique difficulties women face worldwide.

The World Economic Forum predicts that at the current rate of progress, it will take 162 years for women to achieve political equality with men, 169 years to reach economic equality, and even in education, where much progress has been made, they predict it will still take 16 years for women to achieve equal outcomes with men across the globe. These figures aren't just numbers; they represent generations of women who will continue to face systemic barriers unless we act to improve the situation.

Economic independence is crucial for women's empowerment, yet it remains out of reach for many. The disproportionate amount of unpaid domestic work, coupled with the high cost of childcare, compromises women's financial security and autonomy. This economic vulnerability not only diminishes women's agency but also exposes them and their children to greater risks of violence and abuse.

Globally, the statistic is alarming: one in three women will encounter physical or sexual violence, predominantly from intimate partners. Women of minority ethnic groups and those of lower economic status face higher danger and are less likely to receive the necessary support. Millions of young girls all over the world are married before the age of 15, often against their will. Even more, girls are denied education, which further perpetuates patriarchal ideology and women's domestic role.

We have come a long way when it comes to gender equality, and we do need to celebrate that every single day. But in my opinion, we do so - the daily celebration of achievements comes so easily, especially when it is wrapped in pink on our cinema screens.?

However, most of us do not enjoy thinking about the issues we still need to solve globally, not in our sunny, privileged lives, despite accessing the news 24/7. We must have at least one day of the year when we do read the real statistics and consciously engage with the reality of gender inequality. We do need a day that calls us to action.

And by the way, loudly stating that you are not celebrating International Women's Day because you support women every day is, in essence, celebrating International Women's Day. So actually, thank you for raising awareness; that's all this day is about!