Countries all over the world are uniting today (March 8) in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) to honours women of the past, present, and future generations who have fought, and will continue to fight, for change in gender equality and greater focus on female-focused achievements.
Under the theme of ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’, women and men, worldwide, have been invited to take part in efforts to raise awareness. The theme is aligned with the priority theme for the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67), “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”.
During today’s celebrations and acknowledgements, a virtual panel - hosted by the United Nations - is set to take place, with UN leaders, climate activists, and celebrities all set to take part. The United Nations Observance of IWD recognises and, itself, celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education, as well as exploring the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities.
“Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have,” the IWD website reads. “A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA. And it’s critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.
“The IWD 2023 campaign theme drives worldwide understanding of why equal opportunities aren’t enough!” The IWD campaign is also calling for people to use the hashtag #EmbraceEquity theme this year, and upload pictures giving themselves a hug, or upload some of the content from the site explaining this year’s theme.
“The #IWD23 hashtag will also be used to unite conversations online.
“Around the world, people are having meaningful conversations about why equal opportunities aren’t enough, and why equal isn’t always fair”, organisers said on the site. “People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.
“If we truly believe in, value, and embrace equity, then women are more likely to have access to what’s required to succeed. So, on IWD, engage in those impactful conversations.
“Raise awareness. Help forge positive change for women!”
Resources on the International Woman’s Day website signpost users to educational materials and women’s charities that help towards the global support for gender equality. With gender parity still some years away, according to the World Economic Forum, it means that this campaign is as much for future generations as it is for todays.
