INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2023- #EMBRACINGEQUITY

As an African boy raised majorly by a strong and resilient single mother, I have a deep appreciation for the significance of a day like International Women's Day. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in promoting gender equity, empowering women, and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.

Looking back at history, it is clear that women were often relegated to the backbencher and their contributions were undervalued. Women were denied basic rights such as the right to vote and own property, and they were often excluded from educational opportunities and employment. This was a time when women were considered to be inferior to men and their voices were silenced.

On International Women's Day, it is important to raise awareness about the challenges that women face and to continue working towards ensuring that they are given equal rights and opportunities. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and to recognize the work that still needs to be done to create a society that is free from gender-based discrimination and violence.

Even today, women are still faced with a lot more challenges and threats in different areas of the world. lot of people still believe the man is superior to the man as perpetuated in religious, cultural and family parlances. I do not believe today is a day to reiterate on the inhumane situation meted out to women but rather an avenue to propagate to the ends of the world what needs to be done. I believe ultimately, the lives and development of women can be protect and preserve through collective effort from society through:

1. Ending violence against women: Government and the society at large needs to take strict measures to end violence against women and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
2. Empowering women: Women need to be empowered through education and employment opportunities, which will help them become financially independent.
3. Ensuring equal rights: Women need to be given equal rights to men in all aspects of life, including access to education, healthcare, and employment.
4. Changing societal attitudes: There needs to be a change in societal attitudes towards women, where they are treated as equals and not seen as inferior to men.
5. Strengthening laws: The government needs to strengthen laws that protect women's rights and ensure that they are implemented effectively.

However, through the tireless efforts of women and men alike, the world has made significant progress towards gender equality. Women have broken down barriers and shattered glass ceilings in various industries and fields, proving that they are just as capable as men. Here are just a few examples of women who have become important people in the world:

1. Kamala Harris, the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President of the United States.
2. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president in Africa and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
3. Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.
4. Angela Merkel, the first female Chancellor of Germany and one of the most powerful women in the world.
5. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first female and African Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

These women have shattered barriers and proved that women are just as capable and deserving of leadership positions as men. Their success is a testament to the importance of empowering and supporting women and to the progress that can be made when women are given equal opportunities.

As Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey, a prominent Ghanaian educator and missionary, once said:

"If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family (nation)".

This quote highlights the critical role that women play in shaping our society and the importance of investing in their education and empowerment. When women are educated and empowered, they can contribute to the development of their families, communities, and nations as a whole.

In conclusion, International Women's Day is a day to celebrate the progress that has been made towards gender equality and to recognize the important contributions of women to our society. We still have a long way to go, but by supporting and empowering women, we can create a better future for all.