“A gender-equal society would be one where the word ‘gender’ does not exist: where everyone can be themselves,” says American feminist journalist and social-political activist Gloria Steinem.
Yes, on the eve of Women’s Equality Day, though gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world, we need to accept the fact that to the day we have not completely achieved an equal status for women in society. But after a long struggle, we are successfully raising awareness of women’s equality and celebrating their achievement and advancement in various sectors.
Women have struggled to be accepted as equals in society for decades and have actively protested against gender-based discrimination and fought for equal opportunities in all fields. The Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1920, granted all American women the right to vote. The United States Congress formally recognised and designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day in 1971, to mark the continuous efforts made by women to achieve equal status in society.
Despite many advances in the last century and a half, women around the globe are still facing professional obstacles, domestic violence, work-family life balance, sexual harassment in public and workplace, gender inequalities, and other barriers to their well-being and success.
Don’t you think it is high time to create an equal society for all of us for sustainable development, by eliminating all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation?
Let us make sure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.
It is time to acknowledge the care, love and importance of women — moms, grandmas, partners, sisters, and friends in our lives and thank them for all their physical labour and emotional support they give to others!
Dear woman, as Hillary Clinton stated “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.” So, let’s join our hands and pledge to provide consumer power to support female entrepreneurs. One can find lists of women-owned businesses easily on the internet today. Not only in business, support the woman in every walk of life and empower them in all the possible ways. B. R. Ambedkar said, “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” Let’s unite and work towards creating a better society in the real sense that is laid on the foundation of equality.
