International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women across the world.
It is also a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women and girls.
The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March 2022 (IWD 2022) is, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.
Advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. The issues of climate change and sustainability have had and will continue to have severe and lasting impacts on our environment, economic and social development. Those who are amongst the most vulnerable and marginalized experience the deepest impacts. Women are increasingly being recognized as more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men, as they constitute the majority of the worlds poor and are more dependent on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most.
At the same time, women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation. They are involved in sustainability initiatives around the world, and their participation and leadership results in more effective climate action. Continuing to examine the opportunities, as well as the constraints, to empower women and girls to have a voice and be equal players in decision-making related to climate change and sustainability is essential for sustainable development and greater gender equality. Without gender equality today, a sustainable future, and an equal future, remaireachesthe beyond our reach.
African Development Magazine joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day 2022 with the theme, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, and also want to examine how to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all if Gender equality is considered and implemented.
In this report, ADM reach out to some powerful women, leaders, activists with selfless contribution to the community, and some who uses their respective platform to advocate for important issues like diversity in girls’ education, empowerment, emancipation of women, sexual exploitation, women on sexual and reproductive health, leadership, entrepreneurship, discrimination, child marriage and other injustices.
Lady Tee Thompson, CEO, Agrobiz celebrated women across the globe and advocate for gender equality at all level.
“I love the theme of 2022 recognizing and amplifying the important role of women and girls, advocating against gender bias, where, why to and how address climate change and as for me sustainable development.”
“ why is this year theme relevant or important , it is because often time people do not know what truly understand poverty breaking the barriers means what it is and how it can lead and change for more sustainable and climate resilient future for everyone”
“As a farmer, globalgoals who help me advocate and to ensure inclusive quality education and promoting life-long, learning opportunities for everyone for sustainable goals or 2030 agenda or SDGs or global goals for sustainable development i woman every women which also tap in the Goal 5 which is achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It is very necessary or unnecessary conversation or dialogue that needs to transpired”
“For example, most people are not aware that we must change system that prevents women from achieving their potentials, gender equality is real and it shows up in all the system including weather climate including the work place. For example, 75% of parliamentarians worldwide are men, 67% of all climate negotiators are men, 87% of people at the peace table are men, and 64% of representations at the local government levels are men.”
“Women are paid 10-30% less for the same work, pay and inequality in the workplace happens everywhere, every country and every nation and every tribe. So, we must voice as poor for equal pay and equal work, and we must stride in the means of implementation and revalidation as the global partnership for sustainable development goals everywhere.” She concluded
Mother Wildanie Cupidon is the founder of Foundation Wildanie Cupidon, humanitarian per excellence with track records and multi-award winner eulogies women in the society and the importance of gender equality.
“For this new year, the United Nations celebrates the international day of women’s rights on the theme “Equality today for a sustainable future” to remember to be able to materialize this idea, it is important to establish gendSecretary-General, equality , not only for reasons of equity a,d respect for human rights, but also because it is a prerequisite for the achievement of many other objectives, insisted Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations . The request is made to countries to give equal treatment to women in all areas; this would facilitate a spectacular outcome of development.”
“According to some research done in the economic field in some countries, when women are treated on an equal footing, there is an increase in this level. The involvement of women in companies as leaders shows better results. It therefore does not paralyze the education of women, equality between women and men should not remain in the stage of a utopia. This work must be a perpetual struggle for the full outcome of the world. It will be a great reality; it must be at the heart of the efforts of all of us on the planet. The small progress made with regard to girls’ access to primary education and the proportions of women in political bodies are not considerable compared to the stereotypes that are really present. Hence, we need to continue waging a great struggle for the fulfillment of each of us.”
“Sister Wildanie Cupidon, would like to convey this message to all women and girls on the planet: respect for human rights and gender equality should not be a utopia. On the contrary, it is the job of governments, through the United Nations and also of every human being to play their part in making them a reality.”
“I also want to speak to men and boys, so that they assume their responsibilities in this regard. Let’s live in a world where there will be no discrimination, no war, no poverty and together we will continue to work to achieve sustainable development. In addition, we all have an interest in being on an equal footing.” She concluded
Clarisse Blanche Fall is the Global President at 1000 African women Network, and founder and executive director of African Hope Committee has commended women and girl across the world.
“I wish happy women’s international day to all the women who do not stop giving the best of themselves despite the inequalities and injustice of which they are facing.”
“Women and girls are mostly worthy, humble, self,less, courageous and strong . They can raise an entire village by being there and facing any hardships. women should seat on a table for any decisions made for education, health, peace and security.”
“women should be listen attentively for their fight against violence, injustice, inequaliy, discrimination and rejection in decision making. So many women have fought to sacrifice their privilege to denounce injustices and atrocities. The solution is to bring them in for d,cisions’ making , since they are the mother of this earth.” She concluded.
Carine Siltz Kapinga is the founder of African-Advocates Against-Aids with tremendous achievement in educating and sensitizing the community through awareness and outreach. Carine said women supposed to be celebrated every day for their selfless contribution to the commun itya workforceneeD, but there is low level of participation of women in politics because of the gender inequalities
“We see low levels of participation of women in politics over the years but the tide appears to have turned judging from the role of women now in the work force and in politics. I support these women political leader and their services to those populations in needs and may consider running with God’s willing” she said.
Marie-Rose Sirikari is the President/Founder-CEO of African Women Council, Inc (AWC), Humanitarian and ambassador for peace also joined the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day 2022.
“Let us celebrate the International Women’s day. We are the advocate for gender equality for women and girls, education, health, peace in the conflicts zone, sustainable development, participating in decisions making.” She said
Seah Matilda Banga a.k.a Sia Domingo is an ambassador, leader, activist, humanitarian, journalist and an ordained Pastor. She is also the founder of Diaspora International Platform, This Time Africa Media who also uses her platform advocating for women and girls wworld’s celebrating the International Women’s Day 2022, said she will keep advocating to bridge the gap with the opposite sex especially in Politics.
“My hope is to continue in the phenomenon of narrowing the gap between women and our male counterparts that especially in Africa we can look at female leaders in politics at the head as a norm just like in the church My slogan: :I choose to speak” says it all. change happens because someone demands it.” She said
