International Women's Day is held every year on March 8th to celebrate and pay tribute to the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. It's a day to recognise the progress that has been made in advancing gender equality and to raise awareness of the ongoing struggle for women's rights.
The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is #EmbraceEquity. Envision a world where gender equality is the norm. A world where biases, stereotypes, and discrimination do not exist. A world that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusivity. A world that values and celebrates individual differences. Together, we can accomplish this by taking steps to achieving equality and embracing equity for women.
So why should we prioritise equity over equality? The answer is simple: equal opportunities are not enough. To truly promote fairness and justice, it is important to recognise the difference between equity and equality. By grasping this distinction, we can better understand why it is crucial to #EmbraceEquity.
Equality refers to treating everyone the same regardless of their differences. It is based on the principle of fairness, and it ensures that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources.
Equity, on the other hand, is about ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources regardless of their differences. It takes into account the fact that people have different needs and circumstances, and it aims to provide support and resources to those who need them the most.
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Each and every one of us has the power to actively promote and embrace equity within our own circle of influence. We can challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, raise awareness about bias, and strive for inclusion. It is through collective activism that change is driven - from small grassroots efforts to large-scale movements, we can all work together to embrace equity.
The fight for gender equity is not limited to women alone. Allies are crucial to the social, economic, cultural, and political progress of women. Everyone, everywhere can play a part in this movement.
This is why International Women's Day (IWD) is so inclusive - all activity to promote equity is valid. When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity and inclusion, which promotes harmony and unity, and ultimately drives success for all.
While equality is the end goal, equity is the means to get there. So let's not just talk about it, let's think it, be it, do it, value it and truly embrace it. Together, we can make a positive impact and create a more equitable world for all.
For more information on how to get involved, visit UN Women Australia.
With love,
Your BU Fam