AGAINST the backdrop of women’s maltreatment at different stages of history, International Women’s Day has been put in place to emphasize the role of women in society and the nation. It is celebrated on 8th March every year with different themes. This year’s (2024) theme is ‘Inspiring Inclusion’. Inclusion refers to the practice or policy of providing access to equal opportunities and resources to people otherwise excluded. As women’s discrimination does not seem to end, despite the phenomenal efforts put in by them, activists, and other stakeholders, there is a dire necessity to campaign for their rights and to foster their inclusion in every sphere of life.
When we inspire others to realize and value women’s inclusion, we contribute to creating a better world. And when women are inspired to be included, there is a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. So, everyone has a role to play in enabling the inclusion. There are many areas where women can make a big impact but have not been offered a chance. Though gender disparity has greatly reduced in the education sector and positive outcomes have been achieved, there are regions in the world where females can only dream of education. Imparting education to them is considered insignificant and in this way, their cognitive, intellectual and other abilities are not only undermined but also insulted. This ultimately translates into a myriad of familial crises at micro-level and poor economic growth at macro-level. An educated woman is not productive only for the family but for the nation also. Educated women guarantee the best upbringing, growth and development of youth — the future of the nation.
In patriarchal societies, women’s understanding of their own needs is often overlooked, necessitating their active participation in politics and media. While progress has been made, gender disparities persist, particularly in the sub-continent where women lack equal representation. Encouraging women’s involvement in these spheres can lead to transformative shifts in societal norms. Despite facing numerous challenges, women’s participation in politics and media is crucial for advocating gender-sensitive issues and promoting equality. Their impact extends beyond personal gain, shaping societal dynamics and paving the way for others to claim their rightful place in society.
Women do not lag behind in intellect. They too are capable of thinking out-of-box. They are creative and time has proved it. Therefore, pushing them away from this field, in reality, is a disservice to society. Instead of demoralising them, their abilities can be harnessed to be used in technology and innovation. We must open up a chance for the application of their inquisitiveness and acumen. As is evident from developed countries, it can open a window to economic empowerment, besides adding to the growth of the nation.
In many workplaces, women face undervaluation, low pay for strenuous work and rampant maltreatment and sexual harassment. These challenges lead to feelings of marginalization and hinder their participation in society, exacerbating social disparity and impeding economic growth. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering inclusion and ensuring women’s continued contribution to society as indispensable members.
—The writer is a contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
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