International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, the theme is “Accelerate Action.” With gender equality still over a century away—projected for 2158—the urgency to act is clear. The call to action urges us to dismantle systemic biases and push for progress, reflecting on how far we’ve come and how much further we must go.
The Problem
We live in a world shaped by men. From politics and business to the arts, science, and cultural norms, male authority has been upheld by systems built to serve male interests. These structures have perpetuated male dominance, from leadership roles to historical narratives that highlight male achievements while minimising or erasing the contributions of women.
Consider the facts
- Women in the arts, sciences, and history have often been overlooked. Men’s accomplishments are placed under the spotlight, leaving the stories of women marginalised. For example, Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly highlights the untold stories of African-American women who made significant contributions to NASA but remained unknown for decades.
- In media, men have historically been cast as the heroes, experts, and leaders. Women are still underrepresented in these roles. Reel Inequality: Hollywood Actors and Racism by Nancy Wang Yuen dives into the intersection of gender and racial representation in Hollywood, illustrating the dominance of male-driven narratives in mainstream media.
- The gender pay gap continues to persist. Women, on average, earn less than men for the same work, reflecting a systemic undervaluing of their labour. The Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum highlights the ongoing disparity, which remains a global challenge.
- Cultural norms often reinforce male authority. These norms limit women’s opportunities and sustain traditional, male-driven narratives. In The Feminine Mystique, Betty Friedan critiques the 20th-century cultural constraints on women, showcasing how these norms confined women to domestic roles, limiting their personal and professional growth.
- Men continue to dominate leadership roles in business, politics, and beyond. Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala examines how women remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces, facing unique challenges in leadership.
- History books are often filled with men leading politics, business, and society. This has created systems that serve their interests. Women, Race, & Class by Angela Y. Davis critically examines the intersection of patriarchy, race, and class, highlighting how these structures limit opportunities for women, particularly women of colour.
While these issues are critical, they predominantly reflect a Western perspective, often overshadowing the unique challenges faced by women in other parts of the world.
Accelerating Action Globally
In Tanzania, where significant strides toward gender equality have been made, many women and girls still face severe barriers, such as restrictive gender roles, poverty, and a lack of educational support. Alarmingly, one in ten girls never finish their education, and over 40% drop out before primary school completion.
Students from one of EdUKaid’s schools in Tanzania
That’s why we’ve supported EdUKaid since 2003, an organisation dedicated to empowering girls through education. EdUKaid provides quality education to girls in underserved communities, offering schools, support, and resources that break the cycle of poverty. Their initiatives are not only transforming education but also fostering gender equality, enabling girls to become leaders in their communities.
Tim Varney’s Great Vending Get-Together presentation
In September 2021, EdUKaid launched its inclusivity initiative, furthering efforts to give girls access to education and opportunities for a better future.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the progress made but also acknowledge the work still ahead. It’s crucial that every girl, no matter where she lives, has access to education. Through education and action, we can close the gender gap and build a more equitable world.
Let’s continue to accelerate action and empower the women and girls of today and tomorrow.
