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By Mark DaCosta- Every year on March 8, our nation joins the global celebration of International Women’s Day. In 2024, the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” echoes a call for urgent action towards achieving gender equality. This theme resonates with ongoing international efforts by various bodies to “Inspire Inclusion,” emphasising diversity and empowerment across all aspects of societies.
International Women’s Day is more than a commemoration; it’s a call to honour the achievements of women, inspire future aspirations, and, crucially, shine a spotlight on gender inequality. The United Nations (UN) warns of a staggering US$360 billion annual deficit in gender-equality measures through 2030, making it clear that time is of the essence.
Investing in women is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a human rights imperative. The World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, emphasises that empowering women is a powerful development tool, fostering healthier lives and creating opportunities for progress. Initiatives like the Women’s Leadership Program and the Africa Women Health Champions are making significant strides, uplifting young African women and contributing to improved health outcomes.
However, despite progress in some areas, gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue. The World Bank stresses the urgency of addressing gender-based violence, as it poses a significant barrier to gender equality. Dr. Moeti calls on stakeholders to champion the rights of every woman and girl child, highlighting the global rise of anti-rights and anti-gender movements.
Gender inequality, with its consequences on women’s well-being, remains a challenge. The impact of the COVID pandemic and conflicts has pushed 75 million more people into severe poverty since 2020, disproportionately affecting women. Immediate action is essential to prevent over 342 million women and girls from living in poverty by 2030, experts say.
On the brighter side, gender parity brings numerous advantages. The World Bank Group’s Gender Strategy aims to end poverty by focusing on innovation, financing, and collective action. Closing the gender gap in employment could raise long-term GDP per capita by nearly 20 percent across countries. Gender-responsive budgeting, a strategy for fair resource distribution, plays a vital role in creating budgets that work for everyone. Experts in various disciplines say that governments must prioritise the creation of such budgets.
The history of International Women’s Day traces back to the 1908 labour movement, where women demanded better pay, shorter working hours, and voting rights. Designated by the United Nations in 1975, this day has evolved into a global occasion to recognise women’s cultural, political, social, and economic achievements.
In the context of Guyana, our commitment to International Women’s Day is paramount. While we’ve seen improvements in the health and well-being of our women, there are still disparities at national and sub-national levels. Achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services remains a goal worth pursuing.
The 2024 theme resonates deeply in our nation where women and girls are subject to abuse by men. Including men in powerful political positions. Such men – which may allegedly include ministers of government – have been alleged to have committed crimes, including rape of minor girls. Notably, no minister or other political figure in government so accused has ever been held criminally responsible. It is unfortunate that such a situation exists and must be highlighted again on this occasion.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day in Guyana, let us recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities such as Guyana’s hinterland and other impoverished communities The call to action is clear: break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Together, we can accelerate progress and create a future where women are equal partners in all aspects of our nation’s development, entrusted with leadership positions based on merit, and live without discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Happy 2024 International Women’s Day to all Guyanese!
