International Women's Day 2023

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th to honor the achievements of women and raise awareness of the ongoing fight for gender equality. This year's theme for IWD is #EmbraceEquity, which highlights the need for greater gender equality and inclusivity in all areas of society.

Embracing equity means creating a world where everyone has equal opportunities and access to resources, regardless of their gender. It means breaking down the barriers that hold women back and empowering them to reach their full potential. Embracing equity means acknowledging the diversity of experiences and identities that exist within the feminist movement and working towards inclusion and intersectionality.

 

Despite significant progress towards gender equality over the past few decades, women still face many barriers and challenges. In many countries, women earn less than men for doing the same job, and they are underrepresented in leadership positions in politics, business, and other fields. Women also experience higher rates of domestic and sexual violence, and they often lack access to healthcare and education.

To embrace equity, we need to work towards creating a world where these inequalities no longer exist. This means supporting policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay laws and gender quotas for leadership positions. It also means promoting women's empowerment and creating safe spaces for women to thrive.

One way to embrace equity is to listen to and elevate the voices of women from diverse backgrounds. This includes women of color, women with disabilities, LGBTQ+ women, and women from marginalized communities. By creating space for these voices to be heard, we can work towards a more inclusive and intersectional feminist movement.

The Role of B Corp + Fair Trade

One of the core principles of  the fair trade and B Corp movements is gender equality. This means that fair trade products must be produced in a way that empowers women and provides them with equal opportunities to participate in the economy. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, women still face significant barriers to economic and social empowerment.

For example, women in the global south are often paid lower wages than men for doing the same work, and they are disproportionately represented in low-paying, insecure, and informal jobs. This gender wage gap is compounded by other forms of discrimination, such as racism, casteism, and ableism, which further marginalize women from marginalized communities.

Fair trade seeks to address these issues by providing women with access to education, training, and financial resources. Fair trade also ensures that women have a voice in decision-making processes and are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.

Beyond the economic realm, women also face significant social justice issues. For example, women are much more likely to experience violence, harassment, and discrimination in all aspects of their lives, from the workplace to the home. Women from marginalized communities, such as women with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ women, and women of color, are particularly vulnerable to these forms of violence and discrimination.

Fair trade brands can play a vital role in addressing these social justice issues by prioritizing the rights and well-being of women in their supply chains. This can include implementing policies that prevent and address harassment and discrimination, partnering with local organizations to support women's rights, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality and social justice.

Ultimately, embracing equity means recognizing that gender equality is not just a women's issue, but a human rights issue. We all have a role to play in creating a more equitable world, whether it's through activism, education, or simply speaking up when we see injustice. By working together to embrace equity, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their gender.

There are many important social justice causes that women are advocating for around the world. Here are just a few:

• Gender-based violence: Women and girls experience violence and abuse at alarming rates around the world, with some estimates suggesting that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In the U.S., violence against Native American and Black women far exceed the national average. There are many organizations working to end gender-based violence and support survivors, including Native Hope, the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and the International Rescue Committee. 

• Women's reproductive rights: Access to reproductive healthcare and services is a fundamental human right, yet many women around the world still face barriers to accessing contraception, safe abortion, and maternal healthcare. Organizations like Planned Parenthood and the International Planned Parenthood Federation work to promote reproductive rights and provide healthcare services to women.

• Equal pay: Women still earn less than men for doing the same work in many parts of the world. Closing the gender pay gap is crucial for achieving gender equality and economic justice. The Equal Pay International Coalition is working to promote equal pay for equal work around the world.

• Women's political participation: Women are still underrepresented in political leadership positions around the world, with only 25% of parliamentary seats held by women globally. Organizations like UN Women, Emily's List and Women's Campaign International work to promote women's political participation and leadership.

• Climate justice: Climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, who are more likely to experience the impacts of climate change, such as food insecurity and displacement. Women's Earth Alliance and Global Greengrants Fund support women's leadership in environmental activism and sustainable development.

International Women's Day 2023 presents us with an opportunity to reflect on the progress made so far in advancing gender equality, while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done. The #EmbraceEquity theme highlights the importance of creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities and access to resources. By working together to challenge gender stereotypes, promote women's empowerment, stand up for human rights, get involved in social justice initiatives and listen to diverse voices, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.