Investing in women, propelling progress

THE recent International Women’s Day (IWD) commemorations befittingly themed “Investing in Women, Accelerating Progress” have been a timely reminder of our daily responsibility toward gender equality wherever we may be.

While there are inconsistent grumbles and mumbles that there is seemingly too much attention being turned on women’s empowerment and it is now men being left behind, that is not accurate. Women are still far from enjoying many of the benefits of men.

The United Nations Women’s Department issued a statement on IWD and it paints a gloomy picture of the state of gender equality globally.

UN Women is one of the places one was privileged to visit and learn from during a study tour by the United Nations to their offices in New York during my News Editor days.

They are passionate about research and data on issues of women and empowerment. So despite some men feeling there is too much focus on women, UN Women states that this year’s International Women’s Day still exposed a world hobbled by confrontation, fragmentation, fear and, most of all, inequality.

It goes on to state that persistent poverty gaps continue to exist worldwide, and women bear an increasingly heavy burden. Shockingly it states that one in every ten women in the world lives in extreme poverty.

In a speech by UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous at the UN official commemoration of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, at the UN headquarters she uttered these profound words, “Poverty has a female face.” Going on to disclose that men own US$105 trillion more wealth than women and that they dominate the corridors of power.

IWD is not just a day for mention but it is meant to set the tone for the next 365 days in terms of our actions on women empowerment. Hence Bahous then says the International Women’s Day this year has a call.

“A call for every woman and girl, we ask that we finally make the best investment we can: Financing gender equality and unlocking its dividends for all.

BENEFITS

More than 100 million women and girls could be lifted out of poverty if governments prioritised education, healthcare, fair and equal wages, and expanded social benefits.

“We know that when women raise their voices it is for equality, for their rights and the rights of others, for peace and justice for all.

“They fight to leave a better world behind them for all the people and our shared planet,” she stated. On International

Women’s Day, the UN said it was a time for us to elevate women’s voices.

“We elevate their cause and our cause. We commit to affording it the resources it deserves and demands,” she said.

So while at face value it may seem like we are living in a generation where men are now being pushed aside, it is not the case. Women still need empowerment.

UN notes that in a world facing multiple crises that are putting immense pressure on communities, achieving gender equality is more vital than ever. Ensuring women’s and girls’ rights across all aspects of life is the only way to secure prosperous and just economies and a healthy planet for future generations.

And the experts note that time is running out. “Gender equality remains the greatest human rights challenge. Investing in women is a human rights imperative and cornerstone for building inclusive societies. Progress for women benefits us all,” the UN states in their press release on IWD.

Just seven days ago Eswatini also got involved in the conversation and it was lovely to see so many key public organisations share with us all their efforts in terms of investing in women.

The interviews and the pictures of women in various places of influence were quite inspiring.

The consistent effort by Standard Bank Eswatini to recognise sterling women in various sectors is also encouraging in the fight against gender inequality. It also motivates young women that it is possible to thrive in the country despite gender.

GREATEST

We have a female Deputy Prime Minister, a female Senate President, some bank managing directors who are women and all that just point to a country that is open to gender equality. Perhaps the greatest testament of these was the recent marula ceremony.

While it is a cultural event about fruit and unity, it is also a celebration of women and one of the most colourful ones in the world. It attracted journalists from across the world marvelling at how we unite in peace and culture.

A paper by the World Bank on IWD states that we need urgent action to accelerate gender equality. It notes that equality of opportunity for all is a matter of fairness and justice. It is essential for development.

“Women and girls are often more vulnerable to poverty, crises and climate change. Gender equality and women’s participation in decision making – in communities, businesses, workplaces and households – is key to well-being and prosperity,” it states.

The World Bank concludes by stating that the evidence is clear: Removing gender barriers unlocks economic productivity, reduces poverty and deepens social cohesion. “Closing the gender gap in employment could raise long-term GDP per capita by nearly 20 per cent on average across countries,” it states. So we indeed need to keep investing in women to accelerate progress.