Sunday, March 8 marks the 114th International Women’s Day, a day intended to bring awareness to one issue: equality and empowerment of women. Several events will be held worldwide, sparking conversations on the current state of gender inequality and finding possible solutions. This year, newly appointed UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, and famous Harry Potter actress, Emma Watson is taking the conversation to the internet by hosting a live Facebook chat to talk about the He for She campaign and gender inequalities. You’ve got questions – she’s got answers. A great example of an educated, courageous and empowered woman, we applaud Watson for using her celebrity status and new position to bring awareness to women’s issues worldwide.
As we prepare to discuss women’s issues on Sunday, it’s important to take a brief look at the history of International Women’s Day and some of the global issues women still face today.
International Women’s Day came about in the early 1900’s as women in industrialized countries began to get more vocal and active to fight against inequality and disempowerment that had plagued them for centuries. While developed countries have seen significant changes since then, with more women having the right to vote, obtaining degrees, taking executive leadership roles in the workplace and even becoming elected officials, the fight is far from over. Not only do gender inequalities still exist in developed countries, they are far more egregious in third world countries where women face many cultural, political and economic barriers.
One of the biggest hurdles they face is lack of education. Knowledge is power and before we can begin to have conversations of workplace inequality for women in developing countries, like the ones we serve in Uganda, we need to have more women in the workplace. The key is providing women access to traditional and vocational education opportunities so that they are prepared with the intellectual resources to fight for equality and empowerment.
Special days like International Women’s Day bring awareness to the issues women face and ignite conversations with potential to bring about real solutions. As we prepare to discuss women’s rights on March 8, I challenge you to think beyond our borders to the global struggles women from all walks of life face.
For more information on the history of Women’s Day visit:
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/about.asp#.VPVoGFPF83B
View Emma Watson’s video invite to join the live Facebook chat here:
Peace,
Cristen
