March is a symbolic month that brings the return of light, but also a time for reflection and remembrance: that of March 8, International Women’s Day. A date symbolic of a struggle that spans eras and cultures, reminding us how difficult it has been-and how necessary it still is-to affirm the principle of gender equality.
Today, equity between men and women seems to be almost a given right, but it is not. True equality does not yet exist today, and to remember this is to recognize that it is not just a matter of rights, but of collective progress. Gender equality is not just a concept that needs to be produced but an engine of economic development, innovation and social welfare. Where women have access to the same opportunities as men, societies thrive, economies grow, and new generations receive a more equitable and inclusive education.
Yet, there is still a long way to go. The wage gap persists, women’s representation in decision-making places is very often minority, and gender-based violence continues to be a global scourge. March, then, should not only be a time for celebration, revival and remembrance of tragedy, but also for concrete commitment. Every gesture counts: from promoting more inclusive corporate policies to empowering female talent in every sector to educating the next generation about respect and equality. The idea of the underdog, that is, those who start out disadvantaged and have to struggle more than others to emerge, is still deeply rooted in social, economic and gender dynamics, despite progress these past few years. But how long before this inequality is just a memory? According to data from the World Economic Forum, women earn an average of 20 percent less than men, even with equal roles and skills. Although efforts to reduce the gender pay gap have multiplied in recent years, the pace of change is still too slow. If we continue with this trend, it would take more than 130 years to eliminate it completely.
Women continue to be a minority in power roles. In top Fortune 500 companies, less than 10 percent of CEOs are women. Even in politics, finance and technology, their representation is still insufficient. Hindering their rise is not only a lack of opportunity, but also the unconscious bias that often leads to men being chosen for leadership positions.
Another gap that is still far from being closed concerns domestic and care work. According to the United Nations, women perform 75 percent of unpaid work globally. This includes caring for children, the elderly and the home, often at the expense of career advancement. Without a rebalancing of family responsibilities – through more effective welfare policies, equal parental leave and greater male involvement – gender equality will remain an unattainable goal.
Gender-based violence, no less, is still an open battle and is one of the most important battles to be waged. Anti-violence campaigns seem to produce little change; people continue to die at the hands of men.
Until women’s safety and security are guaranteed, talk of equality will be just rhetoric. We need tougher laws, more protection and a cultural change that breaks down the patriarchal root of violence.
Change is possible, but only if words are followed by deeds. True gender equality will not be achieved when a woman has the same opportunities as a man, but when it is no longer necessary to make this distinction.
In this March, our commitment must be to turn words into action. Only then can we look to the future with the confidence that equality is not just an ideal, but a tangible reality for everyone and everyone.
The article March: women’s month comes from TheNewyorker.
