“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”– Gloria Steinem, Journalist, and social-political activist.
In March 1911, precisely 107 years ago, International Women’s Day (IWD) started as a socialist political event wrapped around the idea of advancing women’s suffrage through a day to mark their contribution to humankind.
This means that for over a century, women all over the world have fought for recognition in private and public spaces. They have continuously and consistently asked to be seen, their voices heard, and their input, appreciated, just as much as men’s.
Over the years, a lot of progress has been made, so many glass ceilings shattered with regards to feminism, women empowerment, and gender parity. Still, there’s a lot more to be done, and hopefully, it won’t take another hundred years.
To commemorate this day and in line with this year’s theme #PressforProgress, Ventures Africa asked the opinion of members of our social media community over the meaning of progress for women is in 2018. Here are some of the best answers:
32. Progress for women in 2018 means closing the gender parity gap that obviously exist. Trickling that down means we have more women in political representation and leadership posts, such that Africa can boast of more women as Presidents, Legislators, etc. #VAHangout #IWD2018
— Bukky Shonibare (@BukkyShonibare) March 8, 2018
33. It also means having more Laws that support the institutionalization of gender equality across Africa; like that of the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill in Nigeria; and such other Laws and policies, at different levels – national, state, and local levels. #VAHangout #IWD2018
— Bukky Shonibare (@BukkyShonibare) March 8, 2018
Progress for women is economic empowerment… #LeavingNoOneBehind
— Khaleesi (@AbangMercy) March 7, 2018
It means more attention paid to our health. Also, demolishing norms embedded in our society that stifle women and points us towards only one type of happiness. Men in denial must finally understand that though we are not the same, we’re equal.
— Nicòl (@Nicole_BTE) March 7, 2018
35. Progress in 2018, to me, also means the prompt release or rescue of all abducted girls in the enclaves of savages across Africa; like the over 200 #ChibokGirls and #DapchiGirls girls with Boko Haram, and several others with them. #VAHangout #IWD2018
— Bukky Shonibare (@BukkyShonibare) March 8, 2018
Progress for women refers to changing the current situation or the situations women have been over the longest time that put them at a disadvantage to achieve their dreams or be the best version of themselves and helping them achieve this through empowerment.
— waithira💜 (@waithirakunene) March 7, 2018
Understanding their strengths and developing them tenaciously #InternationalWomensDay
— Errands Kenya (@Errands_Kenya) March 7, 2018
Janise Johnson (America): Much of the progress for women, must come from within. Don’t get me wrong, there needs to be policy change regarding equal pay and more progress on national and international domestic violence laws. However, the logical next step is to incorporate the outside changes, along with internal changes. Women must begin to retrain their thinking patterns away from how they believe they are perceived by others, to how they perceive themselves. In time, positive internal, mental change, will ripple out into the rest of the community for a far-reaching, affirmative effect.
Kada Ngbale (Nigeria): Progress for women in 2018 means a step ahead of the conversations pushing for equality. Women who have gone up the ladder with evident successes must stretch forth a hand to mentor, coach or teach as the case may be; this must be done through creating vital partnerships which ensure that women don’t just press for progress but do so in a sustainable manner.
Fabiola Aguayo Santaella (Puerto Rico): Educating the generation under us. Disrespect is a learnt behaviour. Also to me personally, it will mean being taken seriously in an industry that is largely male – construction.
Suzan Magadani (South Africa): Progress for women in 2018 means having a voice in male-dominated work environments. Having equal promotional and developmental opportunities as men. It means confidence, taking decisions without fear and being yourself in that top position at work without fail.
Adenike Oyetunde (@adenikeoyetunce): Progress for women in 2018 means empowering women to use their voice.
Felicia Ochelle (ef_peaches): Progress for women means inclusivity within the government and other leadership positions.
