Hello Everyone,

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today is International Women’s Day and social media has been inundated with posts celebrating women’s strength, highlighting the contributions of women to society and the need for increased opportunities for women. Various countries and organizations have planned out various events to celebrate this day. While these celebrations are important and the contributions of women worldwide are invaluable, it is important that we take today to reflect and consider the importance of pro-women policies.

Worldwide, there are countries where women cannot inherit land or get an international passport without their husband’s permission. In Nigeria, 12-year old girls are married off and become mothers. Girls are less likely to go to school and women do not get the same economic opportunity as men. Women in Saudi Arabia only recently got the right to drive.

It is important for governments around the world to pursue pro-women policies. Without stringent pro-women policies, it would be impossible to achieve gender equality and women empowerment. These policies include but are not limited to:

• Equal access to education
• Increased marriage age to 18
• Anti-discrimination on the basis of sex
• Increased access to affordable health care
• Right to inherit
• Right to work in any profession
• Increased women representation in government

While pro-women policies are important, the implementation of these policies are even more important. In Nigeria, a Childs Right Act prevents the marriage of girls younger than 18. However, this Act has not been implemented nationwide. Pro-women polices must be implemented properly and efficiently communicated. If growth and development are to be achieved globally and the poorest of the poor are to be lifted out of poverty, women must be empowered.

The infantile and weak depiction of women in religion and tradition must be questioned and re-examined. Women are whole individuals who have agency and have as much strength and ability as the man next door. So as you celebrate international women’s day today, remember that women have a voice, are strong and have the ability to contribute to the betterment of society. The empowerment of women can be jump-started with the right policies.

 Women rights are human rights.

Happy International Women’s Day!