EACH YEAR around the world, International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day, but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Organizations, governments and women’s groups choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues. The United Nations’ theme this year is Equal Access To Education, Training And Science: Pathway To Decent Work For Women.
Originally conceived as the International Working Women’s Day to draw attention to a poor work environment in the industrialization era, the initiative has over the years become synonymous with the recognition of women’s role in political, social and economic spheres.
Barbados could be reasonably proud of the relatively rapid progress of its women, especially within the last 25 years. Granted, some may feel it should have been greater, but there is little to be ashamed about.
It is arguably accompanied by a heightened optimism for a larger political, economic and social space for women buttressed by new laws. The representation of women in the legislative and judicial arms of Government and the corporate world has noticeably improved since Independence, and is reason to celebrate; though cautiously.
If recent appointments to key constitutional offices in the judiciary and Government are anything to go by, then the road ahead is still pregnant with opportunities. Access to greater political involvement is still a hurdle that women should overcome in time.
Notwithstanding, some are calling for entrenchment of affirmative action in the Constitution, or quota system for increased participation of women in governance, and a narrowing gap in gender disparities in the boardroom which will give women the impetus to forge ahead and protect the gains made so far.
The playing field is relatively level now. For this battle to be won, it is therefore imperative that all women – ignoring all political affiliations, race or religion – read from the same script on issues affecting the general population.
In academia, women are shining. It is well known that the number of females registered at the University of the West Indies far outnumbers males, and this is reflected in the imbalance in the varying professions on the island.
The head of the new UN women’s agency said Tuesday that there had been “remarkable progress” since International Women’s Day was first celebrated 100 years ago, but gender equality remains a distant goal because women still suffer widespread discrimination, and lack political and economic clout.
This is true in many countries, but the battle for equality continues globally. Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet said in a statement marking the 100th anniversary that the pioneering women who launched the commemoration to promote better working conditions, the right to vote and hold public office, and equality with men, would probably look at the world today “with a mixture of pride and disappointment”.