On the verge of celebrating International Men’s Day, it’s worth noting that the acknowledgement of an International Men’s Day doesn’t stem from a belief that gender equality has been fully attained. Rather, it’s a reaction to the superficial and tokenistic nature of International Women’s Day.
Despite the ongoing struggles faced by women globally, the approach to International Women’s Day often falls short. Organizations ponder what token gestures to make, like baking a cake or delivering inspiring speeches, while systemic gender disparities persist. In the UK, only 9% of FTSE 100 business leaders are women, and gender pay gaps widen with age and seniority. Women face challenges with student loan interest during maternity leave and are disproportionately affected by workplace changes and redundancies.
The theme of International Women’s Day, ‘Give to Gain,’ feels inadequate in addressing the real issues women face. Previous themes like #BreakTheBias and #InspireInclusion have lacked substance, leaving many feeling disillusioned. The imagery of people holding out their hands in a giving gesture on the official International Women’s Day website seems disconnected from the tangible struggles women encounter daily.
Rather than symbolic gestures, women need concrete actions to address gender disparities: closing the gender pay gap, promoting gender equity in career progression, and advocating for improved maternity and paternity benefits. By focusing on these fundamental issues, International Women’s Day can truly make a meaningful impact.