Violence against women is a sad and shameful reality happening in our society today and across the globe. Although it is rooted in gender inequalities, it also exists because we, as a society and individuals, far too often let it continue unnoticed.
This must change.
It’s a great honour to give this year’s Women’s Day Speech on Equality and to follow in the footsteps of my distinguished predecessors and mentors. There is a saying that “Women’s Rights are Humans Rights”
Equality, human rights, including economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the right to opportunities, development, a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, are critical components of constructing an economy that supports better, fairer, and more sustainable societies for current and future generations. Rights in this context include, among other things, the right to one’s own body and reproductive rights, as well as the right to move freely. However, many women and girls continue to experience sex and gender discrimination across the world. Gender inequality is at the root of many problems that disproportionately impact women and girls, including domestic and sexual abuse, poor wages, a lack of access to education, and insufficient healthcare. Other problems that women confront include genital mutilation, prostitution, slavery, and child marriage.
Equality, often known as non-discrimination, is a situation in which all individuals have equal opportunities and rights. Every member of society wishes for equal position, opportunity, and rights. However, it is a widespread observation that there is a great deal of discrimination among humans. Discrimination arises as a result of cultural, regional, and gender disparities. Gender inequality is a global issue that has to be addressed. Even in the twenty-first century, men and women do not have equal rights over the world. Gender equality entails giving men and women equal chances in political, economic, educational, and health matters.
Gender (in)equality affects both men and women, and it has a significant influence on their everyday lives. Historically, gender equality policies have been framed primarily as a “women’s issue,” because women have been the driving force behind gender equality measures and fights.
The assumption that gender disparities are primarily a female problem has contributed to the belief that women are the only ones who would profit from a more equal society. Men, in fact, gain from gender equality because they, too, confront gender-specific difficulties such as reduced life expectancy, poor health, lower education levels, and inflexible gender norms. Both men and women must understand the benefits of gender equality for themselves as people, as members of communities, and as citizens of society. It is also true that we can only achieve this if both men and women participate.
As a result, it is critical to involve more males in advocating for gender equality, as this is the only way to effect change. To do so, it is also crucial to educate males on why gender equality is important to them.
Given that men are under-represented in the gender equality discourse (they are less likely to engage in gender equality events and initiatives), we acknowledge men as a distinct target group for its efforts to enhance their understanding of their role as partners in attaining a more gender-equal society.
Only when both men and women have equal access to opportunity can a country improve and achieve better levels of socioeconomic growth. Women in society are frequently trapped and denied equal rights to health, education, decision-making, and economic independence in terms of pay.
Girls do not have equal possibilities as males due to the societal framework that has prevailed throughout time. Women are often the primary caregivers in the household. As a result, women are primarily responsible for home tasks. Women are underrepresented in higher education, decision-making positions, and leadership positions. This gender discrepancy is an impediment to a country’s growth pace. When women join the labour force, the country’s economic growth rate rises. Gender equality improves the nation’s general well-being as well as its economic development.
Gender equality is the most important factor in a country’s overall well-being and progress. Countries with reduced inequality in gender equality have made significant progress. This has prompted governments to take initiatives to promote equality not only in terms of gender but also across multiple structures. Several laws and regulations should be made to support girls, such as the (Save girl, greater responsibility, and educate girls) campaign, which was designed to raise awareness of the value of the female child. Several laws need to be established and changed to make this a reality, and more awareness of women’s rights should be conveyed. Furthermore, the government should take steps to ensure that policies are implemented correctly and consistently.
Women are critical to community resilience since they spend 90% of their income on their families. Data shows that women are more reliant on humanitarian aid than males owing to impediments to accessing money-generating possibilities.
If we are to invest in community resilience, we must invest in women; this is the wise plan, but it cannot happen without vigilance and specific tactics to guarantee women are direct beneficiaries of this approach.
So, I want all the females watching and listening right now to know that a new day is on the way. And when that new day finally arrives. It will be due to a lot of wonderful women, many of whom are present in this gathering today, and some pretty spectacular men working hard to ensure that they become the leaders who lead us to a time when no one ever has to tell me that only women should push their course.
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