Women are not demanding for more, they are demanding for what is deserved, inclusiveness; the right to dignity, economic rights and social protection. That is, equal pay, equal access to decision making, sexual and reproductive health and rights, bodily autonomy and valued equally as men.
Is that too much to ask for?
Today is international women's day and I can't wait to visit Equiterra. Equiterra is the new country where people have equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender. Come take a trip with me to Equiterra!. Where is it located on the world map you may ask?
Equiterra is the vision of a new Utopian world where true gender equality and justice is achieved. The term was conceptualized by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women during the beginning of Women's History Month (March 1-March 31). If only a country like Equiterra exist!
Equiterra is the vision of a new Utopian world where true gender equality and justice is achieved. The term was conceptualized by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women during the beginning of Women's History Month (March 1-March 31). If only a country like Equiterra exist!
Take a mental trip with me to the neighborhoods of Equiterra, within it's communities children's creativity and imaginations is not limited by discrimination and stereotypes. Adults from all ethic, religious, national, cultural and social background, and all gender identities would be represented in governments, companies, and in decision-making! The possibilities are endless.
As a people and a nation, are we even missing out on the impact of sustainable mechanisms related to gender equality? Why does gender gaps still exist 25 years after 193 countries pledged support for women's rights at the Beijing Women Conference? What are we not doing right as decision makers and everyday people? Is this about societal norms, patriarchy or political will?
The 2020 theme for International Women’s Day (8 March) is “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”. The quest for gender equality has grown past the ‘at least 30 per cent’ quota campaign for women in political leadership. While gender equality seem elusive in some countrie. However, it's important to consolidate on the progress made so far.
For example, the social media has changed the dynamics of gender justice visibility since the women's movements in the 70's. Cyber space evolved to become a unique safe space for global activism, creating milestones for women and girls from conservative societies to break the culture of silence surrounding sexual violence and unequal power relations.
The Arewametoo movement is unique for breaking out two years after the metoo movements made waves in the US, Norway and other parts of the world. Arewa or Northern region of Nigeria is a predominantly conservative Muslim region. The Arewametoo campaign brought to the fore-front the dept of sexual embarrassment and sexual violence in the region, and the role tradition, religion, policing and justice administration play in deepening vulnerabilities and the power imbalance between men and women.
Global impact starts with you. Do something different today to impact the lives of women and girls in your circles. Every thought, every conversation and every act have far reaching effects locally and globally. Become part of the #GenerationEquality movement. Happy international women's day!
Photo credits: Check the rest of UN Women inspired illustration of Equiterra below.
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