International Women’s Day (8th March) is not the same as International Bagpipe Day (10th March) or even International Day of Mathematics (14th March). The only similarity they share is that they all happen in March every year! With apologies to bagpipe lovers (and I’m Scottish!) and number crunchers everywhere, IWD is far more important. IWD is all about recognising and celebrating the achievements of women and their contributions to all walks of life, from the workplace to the home. International Women’s Day in particularly important in Asia, as women there have had (and continue to have) a longer journey to equality and recognition. IWD both celebrates the progress as well as highlighting the work still to be done.
Due to unequal status, women in Asia have struggled longer for equal rights in the workplace, for access to schools and universities, and for body autonomy and freedom from gender-based violence. Asia is a large continent and experience is hugely variable, but progress has been made in some of these areas, but the focus must be maintained to ensure the improvements continue.
Women still have significant challenges to deal with across Asia, particularly in more conservative countries, as well as in non-urban areas where lack of exposure to different cultures and thinking stifles progress. In these areas, women are still often regarded as inferior to men, and have little role to play in local politics or decision making. Worse, they are less likely to have access to adequate medical care and, if they have jobs, they are usually bottom-tier, underpaid roles.
This belief in male superiority is one of the biggest challenges in moving the needle on women’s equality in Asia. The gender norms enable, if not outright support, discrimination and violence against women. International Women’s Day plays a key role in highlighting these problems and putting pressure on lawmakers, employers and social leaders to make changes, especially around the mindset and attitude towards the equal status of women.
Thankfully, those who are struggling can find some positive examples across Asia where women are forging ahead on the path towards full equality. More developed countries like Japan, South Korea, and even China have been more proactive in recent years, passing legislation that enables equal access to employment. There have also been improvements in laws around family-friendly working policies and toughening up the approach to sexual harassment. Even less developed countries are doing more; India is working to end child-marriage, while Bangladesh has focused on creating economic opportunities for women.
Women’s rights advocates, local leaders, and businesspeople are working nonstop to dispel gender norms, uplift women and girls, and advance social and economic fairness. Countries like India and Nepal have boosted women’s participation in politics and holding positions in parliament (with 24% and 33% respectively). Singapore and Sri Lanka have elected women to the role of President. In Cambodia the enrolment rate for girls in school is now 95%. In Indonesia, the percentage of women in the workforce has risen from 48% to 56%. One of the other key aims of International Women’s Day is to celebrate examples like this, as well as showcasing the the work of the groups and organisations that are making this happen, ensuring their stories are shared to inspire others.
This year, as we observe International Women’s Day, we should acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments in Asia around gender equality. But we must also remember that there are significant challenges still to be addressed. All women must be able to live in a world free from prejudice and violence. Women must have a voice and role to play in decision-making at all levels. Women must be free to pursue the career of their choice.
Each of us, regardless of gender, has a role to play in continuing the fight for equality.
Find out more about International Women’s Day at: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
