The theme behind the International Women's Day - 2024 reflects the profound essence of breaking barriers and empowering lives. The commemoration serves as a global reckoning to action, urging societies to reflect on the progress made in gender equality and to address the persistent challenges that women around the world continue to face even today.

In recent years, the communities across the world have witnessed significant strides towards gender equality, with women dominating while assuming leadership roles in various sectors. The theme for International Women's Day 2024 underscores the need to go beyond symbolic gestures and superficial progress. Breaking barriers implies dismantling the deeply rooted structures of discrimination and prejudice that hinder women's advancement.

To empower the lives, it is imperative to focus on key areas that impact women disproportionately. One such domain is the education which stands as a foundational pillar toward women's empowerment and prosperity. The efforts must be strengthened to ensure equal access to quality education for girls worldwide.

The proverb “If you educate a women you educate a nation” stands a testament to the fact that the education not only enhances individual capabilities of women but also contributes to the overall development of communities and societies as well. The governments, businesses, and organizations need to reassess their policies and practices, ensuring fair and equal treatment to women performing the same roles.

Also, the challenges faced by women in leadership positions is integral to breaking barriers. Even today women continue to encounter systemic obstacles that hinder their ascent to leadership roles. The need of the hour is that the governments must actively promote diversity and inclusivity, creating environments that enable women to thrive in leadership positions.

Even today, in the era spanning progress, prosperity and gender equality, the issue of gender-based violence still remains a harsh reality for countless women worldwide. Large number of women continue to face victimization at the hands of societal norms and orthodox rules. A large chunk of women worldwide continue to face violence inside their homes, work places, schools, colleges, or other educational institutions.

Breaking the barrier of violence necessitates comprehensive legal frameworks, robust support systems, and a cultural shift that rejects any form of abuse or harassment. Therefore, empowering women means providing them with the assurance that their safety is a fundamental right.

The International Women's Day focuses on instigating the discourse on gender-equality, women's empowerment, and violence faced by women. The day also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The theme for international women's day 2024 encapsulates a collective call to action, urging individuals, communities, and nations to redouble their efforts in breaking barriers that hinder women's progress and empowering lives through tangible, transformative change. Only through sustained commitment and collaboration we can hope to create a world where every woman is afforded the opportunities and rights she deserves.

It is essential to ensure an equal access of women in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. In the digital era, bridging the gender gap in technology is crucial for breaking barriers. Empowering women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields is not only a matter of justice but also essential for driving innovation and progress. Efforts should focus on creating inclusive educational opportunities, promoting mentorship, and dismantling stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing careers in technology.

The theme for International Women's Day 2024 underscores the interconnectedness of breaking barriers and empowering lives. True empowerment goes beyond surface-level changes; it demands a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and structures. Men must be allies in this journey, recognizing that gender equality benefits everyone and contributes to a more just and harmonious world.

While commemorating the achievements of women across the globe, it is essential to acknowledge the diversity of experiences and challenges that different women face. Intersectionality must be at the forefront of our efforts to ensure that breaking barriers and empowering lives is an inclusive and intersectional pursuit.

How it began

The first ever Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909. The commemoration was by the Socialist Party of America to commemorate the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York wherein women were protesting against their work conditions.

Commemoration of International Women’s Day has originated in the 20th century having its roots from the labour movements in North America and Europe.

In 1910, commemoration of International Women's day was proposed at the International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen following its approval leading to the first observance of international women's day in 1911 in several European countries.

Conclusion

International Women’s Day is not just a day to commemorate the accomplishments of women; it is a celebration of women's social, political, economic, and cultural accomplishments. The day reminds us of emphasizing what needs to be done towards women's empowerment, gender equality and justice. It necessitates a call to action for gender equality, and breaking down barriers for women and girls around the globe.

(Author is Sub Editor, Rising Kashmir)