As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, the pressing need to address gender inequality and violence for women and girls across the globe presses once again into the spotlight. The key to a prosperous future lies in the youth of the world, however if we ignore half of our future we will only have half of the prosperity.
Gender inequality not only damages the girl child, but the generations of girls, boys, women and men, it leaves a scar on the whole of our global society. Until we see a real end to gender discrimination, one will not see the end at the light of the development tunnel.
Last month I wrote on the 15th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, and how while we have seen significant improvements over the last fifteen years, significant improvements and developments are still crucial in ensuring we reach global gender equality. Women and girls must be given equal access to education and health care, women must be active participants in both our global economy and political forums. It is also essential that gender-based violence and sexual assault, including forced marriages, must be eliminated if the voices of women and girls are to truly be heard.
Gender discrimination and the marginalization of girls hinders the promotion of international cooperation, peace, and sustainable development. Therefore we must ensure that we continue to increase the fight against gender inequality across the globe. As more and more women and girls around the globe begin to obtain equal access, and have their voices heard loud and clear, then we will begin to see a substantial decrease in instances of sexual violence, abuse, disease, poverty, conflict and displacement. If no one is listening, no one will speak out, and change does not happen in silence. Thus as a global community we must work to see there are no silent victims of gender inequality, and then we will begin to see more and more lasting change in our world.
Please see more on gender inequality in my previous posts here.
