International Women's Day

'Women's Day' celebrates equality between the men and women. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.

But 41 years after its establishment,  is it still necessary?

The answer is yes. Women and girls may have scaled unimaginable heights in politics, science, arts, sports and business, but they are still struggling against discrimination. Not just for equal pay, which is a concern on so many people’s minds today – but for their basic human rights.

Global estimates published by WHO indicate that about 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate violence in their lifetime, often by their intimate partner. Indeed, women's human rights are still violated everyday around the globe.

On January 21, over 5 Million men and women worldwide and over 1 Million in Washington D.C. came to march, speak and make their voices heard.

But now is not the time to rely on past achievements - it’s the time to continue our joint efforts and reshape our future.

Indeed, society needs to step up to take bold action that truly drives the greatest change for women. Each one of us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence by taking bold pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity.

Through collaboration, we can help women worldwide advance and unleash the limitless potential they offer to the world.

Are you ready to #BeBoldForChange?

I am.

 

Read Factsheet on Violence against Women by WHO

 

 

 

Luca JAHIER

President Various Interests' Group

Work organisation