Generation Equality and Our Global Goals
International Women’s Day takes a new theme this year. The theme is known as Generation Equality – a title to signify these times of change. Generation Equality supports wider initiatives, and it reminds us to strive for equality together. Let’s take a look to see where we’re at!
Where are we at?
Our world is full of ambitions and goals, and gender equality is one of the biggest! When women are enabled to reach full potential, the world can reach its potential as well. We have Global Goals in pursuit of equality, and these have been set to:
- achieve gender equality
- empower all women and empower all girls
According to a statement from the United Nations:
“Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. Providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large.”
Rights for women are certainly evolving, but there is a persistent gap in poverty between men and women, ongoing discrimination towards women across cultures and violence and harm affecting women in homes. Enter the need for gender equality.
A BIG Global Goal
Providing women with equal rights to men is a problem for everybody to solve, everywhere! Women need educational and employment opportunities, access to resources, reproductive healthcare and every-day autonomy – so, the Global Goal is timely and crucial.
What can I do?
Engaging with social change can sometimes feel daunting, but you can make a difference however you would like! All kinds of people stand for gender equality and there is a lot that you can do to stand along with them. We’ve gathered some suggestions for International Women’s Day – we hope it helps you to get the ball rolling!
Increase visibility of issues that matter to you
Digital and social media are powerful tools for exchanging information. Whether you blog, tweet, song-write or post, there are many platforms out there to support your message.
Join local committees, lobby groups, NGO’s and charities who are committed to women’s rights and gender equality
Perhaps you could join a dedicated network? Various groups cover all kinds of causes, from women’s healthcare and wellbeing to advocacy and rights: if it matters to you, a group can facilitate it.
Organise an “action day” to raise awareness
So many people benefit from action days, and they are great opportunities to raise and share awareness. Action days are versatile and can take place almost anywhere- be it games in a school, conversations in a community space or a bake sale at work. What you do is up to you; there are many possibilities and the sky is the limit.
Write a letter to your local MP
If you see issues of gender inequality, why not write to your local MP? You can represent your viewpoint, make and share petitions or find some campaigns for yourself to join.
You can access more resources and materials so you can take action this International Women’s Day. What are you doing to empower women? Let us know at stories@raleighinternational.org
