By Darlington Chibanda
International Women’s Day ( March 8) is observed globally, in a way to promote women empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. Women’s day is also a day where more attention is given to the challenges that women face. A part of these is gender inequality and discrimination. The day is celebrated for encouraging, empowering and amplifying the voices of women around the world.
The reason behind celebrating this day is to point out the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and the challenges that they face hindering their progress. According to research, almost 60% of women experience bias globally.
MAYO observed the day under the 2022 theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” together with the campaign theme #BreakTheBias. Gender bias highly prevents the progress of women worldwide and also affect their psychological and physical well-being.
Mayo Field Officer, Patience Faranisi said, “The world should do more in empowering women in order for them to go beyond barriers. Women are born equal but treated differently by mostly patriarchal societies. Even now in the 21st-century women continue to face deep-rooted cultural and socio-economic challenges that hinder them from making decisions and playing their roles.
“However, this is changing but at a very slow pace. It’s more than a century now, but we are still talking about women empowerment, equality and increased participation of women in leadership. Empowering women and promoting gender equality is the key to increasing sustainable development.” She said.
There is still a long way to go in the fight for women’s rights to equality and to stop discrimination and biases of all kinds related to gender, religion, race, class and ability. Bias makes it harder for women to get hired and worse being promoted. In the majority of boardrooms, men continue to be overrepresented. This is especially when we look at senior positions such as CEO. This impacts women’s day to day work experiences.
Women can make it in all sectors and fit any role. It is the time to reflect on progress to call for change and to celebrate the courage and achievements of the women who changed history and those who will advance gender equality into the future.
Adding on the same issue Abel Mavura who is the founder and director of MAYO said “As an Organisation we are continuing our advocacy work and commitment to the uplifting and empowerment of women. The MAYO secretariat consists of a higher percentage of women rather than men. We believe that it really matters for women’s ideas to be heard because when they are not heard it even makes it more challenging for them to be understood. Women are the key champions if we empower them, they will empower the nation.”
Everyone has a role to play in paving the way for a gender-equal world. Let’s break the bias and acknowledge women’s determination. We urge teachers, parents and caregivers to educate and inspire children and students about gender equality. We strongly believe meaningful and effective participation and involvement in matters concerning girls and women will enhance development locally and at the international level.
Significance of International Women’s Day 2022
Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and it is crucial to accelerate their development by empowering them today for a sustainable tomorrow. The world needs to pledge to empower young girls and women and give them equal opportunities and a world free from gender-based violence and discrimination.
ABOUT MAYO
MAYO Zimbabwe is a Youth and women-focused non-governmental organisation that seeks to contribute to the development and empowerment of young people in marginalized communities, eradication of poverty, injustices, conflicts, violence through advocacy for equality, child, youth and women’s rights.
The organization is devoted to bringing social change and developing marginalized communities through various developmental initiatives, and theatre is the medium we use to engage communities and communicate various social ills.
It subscribes to the principles of the right to information, knowledge and skills on the prevention of violence and conflicts. To add on, Child Rights and Education is one of the fundamental programs of the Organisation.
Contacts
Mobile: +263 772 602 081, +263 774 327 739
Twitter: @MAYOZimbabwe Facebook: @MAYO Zimbabwe
Instagram: @MAYOZimbabwe www.mayozim.org
