The sexual harassment scandals, attacks on female reproductive rights and belittling comments uttered shamelessly by America’s president have ridiculed the fight for gender equality. In face of recent politics, women have decided that they are tired of waiting, #MeToo and #TimeisUp have rocked social media and feminism has gained a significant spotlight in the glamorous world of Hollywood. People are paying attention and the campaigns are gaining momentum.
The theme of International Women’s Day, #PressforProgress has made one thing clear: women want change and they want it now. The campaign came to life due to a bleak report published by the World Economic Forum. The report found that we are still 200 years away from gender equality in four categories: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival as well as political empowerment. The campaign wants to mobilize us against the deflating odds and statistics. The campaign wants to inspire us to fight for change without scruples.
#PressforProgess poses a challenge that many women have already readily embraced. International Women’s Day was greeted with a wave of protest and celebration. Protests erupted in Spain, London, France and India. The IWD flag flew over the UK parliament as Nicola Sturgeon and Ruth Davidson began Question Time by promising that ‘‘the next generation of women will have fewer battles to fight’. The Irish government approved the abortion referendum, a historic development in the country’s attitude to reproductive health.
Thousands of women and campaigners came together to celebrate the accomplishments of the equal rights movement. At the end of the day they did not stop there, they stood their ground and they asked for more. Feminism should not be seen as an outdated crusade; the fight for equality is far from over.
Women deserve to feel safe in office spaces. They deserve to dress as they wish without being scared of catcalling or unwanted advances. They deserve the corner offices.
That’s what International Women’s Day 2018 proved more than anything else; without women the world grinds to a halt and we deserve some credit. So ladies, fight your battles proudly. The time is now.