By Jovitta Iorshase
The revolution for desired change and recognition is always borne out of dissatisfaction, quest for justice, equity and change or it’s process. The Soweto children’s protest in South Africa, led to the Commemoration of the International Day of the African Child on 16th August 1976 approved by UNICEF. In a similar manner, International Women’s Day commemoration, centuries ago was an act of ordinary but courageous and determined women which brought about extraordinary roles and changes in the history of their communities, New York and other countries.
As far back as March 8th,1857, what is now known as the International Women’s Day, emerged in an informal setting, when female garment and textile workers in New York City, staged a protest to demand higher wages, better working conditions and equal rights. It began as National Day in the United States in February 1909.
The Charter of the United Nations became the first International agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men in 1945. The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated March 8th,1975. This Day became more acknowledged because of the activities of Labour Movements in North America and Europe, reflecting the growing call for women’s equal participation in the society which started in the early twentieth century, when a woman named Clara Zetkin (Leader of the women’ office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea of an international Women’s Day in a conference of working women held in Copenhagen.
This struggle and excellence of women in various endeavours by some who have passed away, have paved the way for the present “liberated” woman at least in the Western society and now a widely recognized celebration for the woman in such a form as the International Women’s Day celebration mainly to reflect on the progress made by women for change.
As a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and a call to action for accelerated gender parity, this occasion is marked by women groups around the world and it is so important that the United Nations designated it in many countries as a national holiday.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day celebration which is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality -Embrace Equity” highlights the critical differences between equity and equality plus, the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women and girls. It’s other objectives for the March 8th, 2023 awareness is to strengthen and forge a gender equal world, celebrating women’s achievements and increasing visibility while rolling out inequality.
Also, to further elevate women forging for change through technology and sustainability in communities, workplace, Churches/Mosques and beyond. To elevate and advance gender parity in technology and celebrate women innovation to raise women technology as key influencers within the industry, looking for entertaining and insightful technology videos from a female perspective. Other missions also include: improved equality for women in technology, empowering women’s choices in health, sports and other fields.
Slogans to mark this day include statements like: “Always stand for women because they deserve it. It is time to break the silence. It is International Women’s Day. Empowering a Woman is Empowering Humanity among a host of others. The symbol of Venus female (a circle with a cross handle), combined with others like a globe, flower and a heart.
A section of Women Journalists, Lawyers, Farmers, Business women in Makurdi, Benue State on the occasion, have advocated for an , inclusive participation of women in all the spheres of life for them to access technology in their areas of specializations. A fruit seller in Modern Market, Mrs Evelyn Terhemen, on the importance of technology said: ” It is necessary for more women to have knowledge and access to gadgets like android phones that will improve their businesses, especially with the cashless policy becoming part of the system. It is not easy for some of them to do business well without cash, I can’t operate POS myself. This has affected me and many other women’s businessess this time of cash crunch in the country .”
Women have also been encouraged to try new ways of technology to improve on their knowledge, while calling on the government to extend electrification to the rural areas to enable women possess electronics that will enlighten them on technology.
Female activists have also suggested that, on a special day like this, involving staff in the hash tag #Embrace Equity photo challenge for the social media, encoura an on-line panel events, having a virtual coffee morning to honour female employees or a simple “thank you” as some of the ideal ways of celebrating women.
While others have suggested that, going forward, the celebration should include real activities that will impact the women, husbands and children right from the homes. Organizing competitions or projects in primary and secondary schools. Educate the little ones on the importance of gender equality. Write compositions, poems, books, reports, speeches or do research paper, or lead discussions on what children can do at home or community to bring women close to equality at the same time catching them young.
It could also be taken to a much lower level where the male counterparts, friends and spouses get involved by acknowledging women who are special in their lives by presenting gifts and flowers to them.
The civilization acquired from the Western society should be applied by African men to enable them distinguish between chauvinism and traditions. Barbaric cultural beliefs and practices, still active in some cultures limit the potentials of women to excel.
In this present era when women can drive cars, work in government parastatals or public service, restaurants, participate in politics, venture in male dominated professions among other benefits, women are enjoying without much prejudices. Hence the need to close the inequality gap.
