Once again, as we have been doing unofficially for over a century, and officially since 1967 under the auspices of the UN, we are commemorating “International Women’s Day”. Apart from “celebrating” the achievements of women in all spheres of human endeavour, because of the realities in every country of the world, there are inevitably exhortations for accelerating “gender parity”. Whatever women have achieved has come in spite of, not because of, present structures in our societies.
For instance, starting in Ancient Greece, the “cradle of democracy”, women were on par with slaves, bereft of the right to participate in decision making of the city states. This status was only grudgingly changed in the “progressive” West after WWI, following a long and contentious suffragette struggle.
As is usual, there is a “theme” announced annually, and for this year, it is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, which, according to the United Nations, is a reminder that “ending the patriarchy requires money on the table.”
In his message for 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for sustained financing to “support women’s organizations on the front line”, and for programmes to end violence against women and “drive women’s inclusion and leadership in economies, digital technologies, peacebuilding and climate action.” He further noted that financing for equality not only is “the right thing to do”, but it also makes financial sense. “Supporting women to enter formal labour markets grows economies, boosts tax revenues, and expands opportunities for all,” he said.
An op-ed offers a good snapshot of the status of women today, and the rationale for the theme: “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women and girls around the world, and we applaud all they have achieved in the fight for equality. Women and girls have made great gains – demolishing barriers, dismantling stereotypes, and driving progress towards a more just and equal world. Yet they face immense obstacles. Billions of women and girls face marginalisation, injustice and discrimination, while the persistent epidemic of violence against women disgraces humanity. Our world still reflects millennia of male-dominated power relations.
“And progress is under attack, with a fierce backlash against women’s rights. At our current rate, legal equality is some three hundred years away. We must move much faster. On International Women’s Day, we stand with women and girls fighting for their rights, and we commit to accelerating progress. This year’s theme – Invest in Women – reminds us that ending the patriarchy requires money on the table.
We must support women’s organisations on the front line. And we must invest in programmes to end violence against women, and to drive women’s inclusion and leadership in economies, digital technologies, peacebuilding and climate action. This all depends on unlocking finance for sustainable development so that countries have funds available to invest in women and girls.
“We also need to increase the number of women leaders in business, finance, central banks and finance ministries. This can help drive investments in policies and programmes that respond to women and girls’ needs. Women’s rights are a proven path to fair, peaceful, prosperous societies. It is good for us all. Together, let’s take urgent action to make it a reality.”
In addition to increasing “money on the table”, there is need for a more vigorous, effective and sustained campaign against violence against women, and females in general in Guyana. We must begin with our “law and order” institutions: the law to explicitly define stiffer – even draconian – sanctions against perpetrators of violence against females, and the police and judiciary to ensure the law is observed. There has been too much talk and too little action on this subject.
Women will have to agitate for these changes, since the status quo never changes without struggle.
Happy International Women’s Day!
