‘Important message of gender equality is vital’
International Women’s Day is a unique and valuable opportunity to celebrate the success and achievements of women. This year’s theme for the 2022 edition of International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias and strive for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Where difference is valued and celebrated. Its aim every year is to raise awareness of the deep inequalities in society. International Women’s Day is not country, group, nor organisation specific. No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network, or media hub is solely responsible for the day. It belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. This is why, on Tuesday (March 8), we saw so many community groups, businesses and even individuals get involved by hosting events and helping to raise awareness of the cause and celebrate the successful and inspirational women living in Sussex. Gloria Steinem, American feminist, journalist and activist in the late 60s and early 70s, once said: “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” Three central beliefs are put forward by www.internationalwomensday.com to explain the purpose and provisions of the annual awareness event: Firstly, identifying, celebrating and increasing visibility of women’s achievements can help forge equality. Secondly, using strategic collaborations based on a foundation of shared purpose, trust and appreciation can impact positive change for women. And lastly, worldwide awareness raising via meaningful narratives, resources and activity can help combat gender bias and discrimination to accelerate gender equality. Looking back through history and seeing how far we have come with women’s rights, some may ask whether we still need an International Women’s Day? Those behind the website, which exists to promote the message worldwide, are in no doubt that it is vital for progress within women’s rights and the possibility of achieving complete gender equality in the future. The website states: “Yes! There’s no place for complacency. “According to the World Economic Forum, sadly none of us will see gender parity in our lifetimes, and nor likely will many of our children. “Gender parity will not be attained for almost a century. “There’s urgent work to do and we can all play a part.”