By: Fistum Getachew
For more than a century, March 8 has been observed as International Women's Day, yet we see in everyday life that a significant gap in equality between the two genders still persists. March 8 serves as a reminder to reflect on the progress that has been made and to refocus on the goals that are yet to be achieved. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women in all fields, who often do not receive the recognition they deserve.
The purpose of this yearly observation is to contribute to the momentum for the struggle for the promotion of women's rights, breaking away from old stereotypes and biases against them. It is an occasion to once again reject all forms of malpractice, particularly in less developed countries, especially in many areas across Africa and Asia. It presents an opportunity to push for the elimination of all forms of harmful traditional practices that stem from certain beliefs and norms that have historically encroached upon the rights of women.
Premature marriage, female genital mutilation, and all forms of sexual harassment by men, which are not adequately addressed, fall into the major categories of violations of women's rights. However, these issues are often not seriously considered or are taken for granted by many. Recent surveys and estimates have indicated that, at the current pace, the attainment of equality between men and women will likely take more than a couple of generations. This is why the marking of March 8 remains highly relevant. This year's observation was held with the motto: "FOR ALL WOMEN and GIRLS: Rights, Equality."
Sociologists have determined that if women enjoy equal rights with men, it would mean the rectification of all barriers that have held generations of women back and deprived them of their fundamental rights. Women would have an equal say with men at every echelon of society. Moreover, sociologists argue that a well-educated woman is a significant asset to every family. Children would receive better care, and decision-making within the family or in the workplace would be more comprehensive and reasonable.
Hence, the struggle for which International Women's Day has been conceived and developed across the years is a vital step towards attaining equal rights between men and women. Women can no longer be relegated and confined to the lower rungs of the societal hierarchy.
It is a significant advantage for society if all forms of malpractice experienced by women over the years are eradicated, particularly in certain societies that openly exclude women from all forms of decision-making. March 8 should therefore be used to raise awareness among these societies, explaining the rights to which women are entitled, just like their male counterparts. Activists argue that governments must take appropriate measures to push for the respect and protection of women's rights. Things should not be taken for granted, and women themselves must be part of the solution by fighting back and rejecting any form of bias and prejudice against them. Any form of complacency must be avoided.
The level of inequality between men and women naturally differs depending on the type of society. Not all societies possess the same knowledge and consciousness about basic human rights, and women's rights in particular. In some communities, women are required to handle all the arduous chores within the family, while men are largely exempt from these duties. This imposes a significant burden on women. These men often believe that such a division of labor is natural and feel entitled to all the privileges at home.
In these communities, predominantly in rural areas, it is not uncommon for women to be treated poorly. Few have dared to challenge this status quo, often taking it for granted. For instance, girls are usually permitted to attend school only until they reach puberty. Their parents are often content only if the girls marry sooner rather than later, mostly without even consulting them. Fortunately, recent reports indicate that this malpractice is decreasing, though not entirely eradicated. Certain communities in remote rural areas still persist with this unfortunate practice.
On the other hand, developed countries have largely overcome these backward traditional practices. In those societies, the inequalities between the two genders are often subtle and not as egregious as in less developed nations, where old traditions still prevail. March 8 should serve as a launching pad for addressing these malpractices and paving the way towards full equality between men and women. The crude and harsh treatment to which certain communities subject their women poses a challenge to our conscience. Considering the extent to which women's rights are openly violated, it becomes difficult to even feign ignorance, let alone accept these violations silently.
That is why the significance of March 8 becomes even more vital for certain societies than others. March 8 is an occasion to highlight the sacrifices that women make for society in their daily lives, often without receiving the credit they deserve. It is a specific day when these malpractices are brought to the attention of everyone, including women themselves, to emphasize their contributions and what would happen if they did not carry out all those duties within the family. March 8 is also intended to promote the deserved rights of women, just as men, by avoiding not only the stereotyping of women but also the multitude of discriminatory practices that a certain paternalistic society has nurtured through centuries.
March 8 presents an opportunity to openly acknowledge that women are equal to men, without any prejudice or bias. However, this is not necessarily admitted in many societies, especially in less developed communities. Cultural and religious obstacles tend to discourage women from engaging in work that is considered to be reserved for men only. Even in more advanced societies, women have been stereotyped into remaining confined to jobs such as teachers, nurses, secretaries, telephone operators, receptionists, and generally as assistants to men. If they are considered particularly good-looking, they are often assigned roles such as models, actresses, or promoters of merchandise in the mass media. Even when they possess the same capacity and academic credentials as their male counterparts, they are not given the same roles or the same appreciation as men. This is clearly due to deeply entrenched bias. When truly brilliant women excel beyond men and challenge the system, there is a reluctance to acknowledge reality. The question remains: why are women not given the same credit as men when their knowledge and capabilities are at the same level? This has been a source of debate and controversy for years and continues to be, because vestiges of covert prejudice against women still linger, even in so-called advanced societies.
Another significant obstacle preventing women from attaining equal rights with men is the fact that many women are abused or harassed because of their gender and are forced to remain silent.This issue, unfortunately, has not been vigorously addressed. Only a few years ago, a strong social movement led mainly by women, called Me Too, attempted to expose all forms of hidden abuses committed by men in positions of prominence and power against women.
At times, we have observed that even when women are given the same positions as men, their pay tends to be less. However, in recent years, progress has been made in this area following persistent protests by women. The salary gap is being reduced, but it still exists in many other professions, such as, for instance, the salaries of CEOs of large companies.
Observing International Women's Day is therefore still relevant and necessary to continue the fight for the advancement of women's rights to equality. More practical attention and concrete measures should be taken towards that end.