The Women’s Day is a global event, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women
KARACHI: The International Women’s Day is a global event, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equity.
The campaign theme of International Women’s Day 2016 is, “Pledge For Parity”. Everyone — men and women — can pledge to take concrete steps to help achieve “gender” parity more quickly, whether to help women and girls achieve their ambitions, call for gender-balanced leadership, respect and value for differences, develop more inclusive and flexible cultures or root out workplace bias. Each of us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence and can commit to take pragmatic actions to accelerate gender parity.
Globally, with individuals pledging to move from simply talking, to purposeful actions and with men and women joining forces, we can collectively help women advance to becoming equal to their counterparts and realise the limitless potential they can offer to economies, the world over. We have urgent work to do. The question is, are we ready to accelerate gender parity?
This is a request to all males: open your heart to connect with women as it will take you far. Next, always know that women’s day is every day. Sisterhood must be the foundation of any women’s empowerment movement. Support women by being there for them in times of need.
Lastly, accept that change will take time but let’s begin acknowledging the bursts of positive social change and work on expanding consciousness about gender and humanity in general. Men shall not discriminate against women. As the common saying goes, “behind every successful man, there is a woman”. This quote states that everyone has his or her own role to play, including women, in a man’s success. The beauty of a lady is her willingness to listen, the patience to understand, the strength to support, the heart to care and just to be there. Happy Woman’s Day.
Abeer Hussain
Published in The Express Tribune, March 8th, 2016.
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