International Women's Day

International Women's Day (2023)

Theme: Embrace Equity

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The 2023 Theme

The 2023 theme is #EmbraceEquity. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA. We need to get the world talking about why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.

The foundation of Shades of Us is equality and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG) requires that we embrace equity.

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What Do We Think About Equity?

Our team members share their thoughts on embracing equity and why it is essential to the growth and development of Africa, Africans, and people of African descent. More below.

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Cynthia Umeh

International Women's Day celebrates the successes of women while also bringing attention to the ongoing problems in society. Also, it is a compelling call to action. In spite of considerable improvements, gender disparity still prevails throughout the world, particularly in the workplace and in education.

This is a celebration of all the unique qualities that make us distinctive, notable, and welcome. Being incorporated is pleasant. We feel good and perform at our best when we are a part of something. Equity is a long-term fix for inequities in social systems, and is the path we must all travel together to attain equality. Adopting equity is the right thing to do.

equity in

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Adetayo Adetokun

For marginalized women, life can be a daily struggle. Being a minority, being low-income, and from fragmented communities can lead to lack of access to education, job opportunities and proper healthcare. Women who belong to marginalized groups are at a higher risk of being victims of violence and exploitation too.

We hope to see more organizations and initiatives that offer support to marginalized women, helping them access the resources and education they need to lead healthier and happier lives. Women’s rights need to be constantly advocated for, and programs developed with the aim of empowering women to become self-sufficient can go a long way in helping to achieve this.

equity for marginalized women

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Atinuke Adeosun

Across Africa, women are breaking barriers of inequality and making significant contributions to their communities and society. From politics to business, science to sports, women are overcoming cultural and societal obstacles to achieve great things.

For example, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first female president of Liberia, leading her country out of a devastating civil war. In the field of science, Nigerian physicist, Dr. Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, made history as the first woman to head a major mining company in South Africa. These inspiring women and many others are paving the way for future generations of African women to achieve their dreams and break down barriers.

EQUITY TO BREAK BARRIERS

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Eneojo Innocent

By addressing systemic inequalities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and working towards social justice, we can create a fair and just society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of where they work and live.

We must continue to advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality in the workplace, in education, and in every aspect of the society, encouraging and supporting girls and women to pursue their dreams and ambitions by providing them resources and opportunities to succeed as the growth of any economy pegs greatly on the welfare of the girl child and woman.

EQUITY IN POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

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Nwachukwu Nkem

Embracing equity means recognizing and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent individuals and communities from achieving their full potential. It requires acknowledging the historical and current injustices that have created inequitable outcomes in areas such as education, employment, and healthcare.

Embracing equity means actively working towards a more just and inclusive society, where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. This involves taking a critical look at policies, practices, and attitudes that perpetuate inequality, and making necessary changes to ensure fairness and justice for all. Embracing equity is a continuous process that requires ongoing education, reflection, and action.

equity for systemic constrainst

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Anada Saiki

In order for one to call out inequality, you must first have the knowledge to recognize inequality when you see it. Gender equality training will teach people the value of women, as employees in offices, business owners, professionals and would enlighten them on how they can be mistreated because of their gender.

Women need support and help in corporate organizations, in whatever environment they find themselves… as this support increases their sense of security. Also, women’s employment is an important factor for women’s empowerment. Women's condition can be improved both inside and outside of the home by their participation in the labour market.

Equity in

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Ramatu Ada Ochekliye

Woman. Whole. Complete.

When we understand that women deserve equal access to affordable education, healthcare services, justice, employment, autonomy of their bodies and choices, and equal participation in leadership and governance, it becomes easier to embrace equity. Women do not deserve these things because they have done something or are doing something. They deserve these because they are human: whole and complete.

Embracing equity and ensuring equal participation of women in all facets of our lives is the only way to ensure the multifaceted development our people, nations and continent needs.

Equity in

access

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