March is Gender Equality Month. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
Women and girls represent half of the world’s population, but gender inequality persists everywhere and stagnates social progress. On average, women in the labor market still earn 23 % less than men globally and women spend about three times as many hours in unpaid domestic and care work as men.
Sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office, all remain huge barriers to gender equality. These factors have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic: there has been a surge in reports of sexual violence, women have taken on more care work due to school closures, and 70% of health and social workers globally are women.
At the current rate, it will take an estimated 300 years to end child marriage, 286 years to close gaps in legal protection and remove discriminatory laws, 140 years for women to be represented equally in positions of power and leadership in the workplace, and 47 years to achieve equal representation in national parliaments.
Political leadership, investments and comprehensive policy reforms are needed to dismantle systemic barriers to achieving Gender equality. Below are a few activities you can participate in to honor Gender Equality Month.
Gender Equality Month Activities
Appreciate the women in your life
Appreciate the achievements of women and the hard work they put in to achieve them. Against all odds and against widespread discrimination in society, women continue to succeed.
Educate people against gender bias
Gender bias is a prevalent issue in society, and people tend to associate it with small things in life. Unlearn the gender bias and teach people to do so too.
Read up about the equality struggle
Learn the vast and intricate history of the struggle for equality. Read up about the long sacrifices and struggles of marginalized groups