Women’s History Month: From words to action
By: Diana Bello Aristizábal
The month devoted to gifts and ‘thank you’ notes for women— set on repeat every year with little variations— has arrived, and while no one can deny presents are always welcome for them, since having conquered almost all spheres of society following a 100-year long battle deserves as much recognition as possible, how about flipping words for actions this year?
To start, why don’t we all ask ourselves, regardless of the gender we identify with, what are we doing today for women’s progress? Contrary to what some people erroneously may think, there is still a long way to go and thank you notes, flourished in social media and corporate statements, although cute and an ego boost, are not really helping with the cause.
Instead, what would really move things into the right direction is to recognize and talk about the issues and barriers women continue to face in their quest for personal and professional success and, thus, implement actions to solve them individually and collectively.
That’s the challenge suggested this year from the official International Women’s Day website under campaign theme ‘Accelerate Action’ supported by the notion that although recalling the achievements reached when the first International Women’s Day in history was celebrated, in March 1911, up until the present time is significant for the feminine cause, it’s paramount to work for an equal world every day.
A world with gender parity is one free of prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination, as well as diverse, egalitarian and inclusive, in which differences are cherished and celebrated. This can’t be further from the reality we are currently living in, marked by violence against women, labor discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare as well as of freedom to be, think and say what one wants in some parts of the world, and limitation of sexual and reproductive rights.
Big or small, every action counts
At the current rate of progress in women’s fight for equality, it will take roughly five generations from now to reach full gender parity. That is, by 2158 we would see a radically different world from the one we inhabit today, according to data from the World Economic Forum.
This prediction is the fuel we need to begin working on shortening that time now. A steppingstone for that purpose is to support or join groups and organizations that work tirelessly on a large or small scale to promote and protect women’s rights, such as UN Women, Global Fund for Women or MADRE, among others. If you cannot donate money, consider giving your time through volunteering.
If you represent a company that hosts events on Women’s Day or during March, you could incorporate a fundraising element in them aimed at helping charities focused on females. These work on providing women with resources so that they can make informed decisions about their health, increasing their involvement in sport events and promoting their talents and skills, among other actions.
Keep in mind that corporations play a pivotal role in this discussion in the sense that with their policies they can contribute to the regression or advancement of women. They are part of the latter group when committed to recruiting, retaining and developing women without stigmas or biases, grant them with leadership and decision-making opportunities and when they encourage their access to fields traditionally reserved for men such as business, science or technology.
At an individual level, an action that can accelerate change is to report acts of discrimination and/or workplace and academic harassment, and to speak up, call someone out and educate every time you witness sexist behavior. On this note, micro-sexism, that is, comments and attitudes that have been normalized over time and seem harmless at a first glance, such as saying ‘crying like a girl’ or acting superior, perpetuate inequality between men and women.
In order to start getting in track, actively use social media and take advantage of every opportunity in your personal life. One suggestion is to share resources, knowledge and opinions that educate and question beliefs and prejudices around women from your accounts. Don’t think it’s unpolite to speak up at family or friends’ gatherings, because even though we’ve been taught to stay quiet when our opinion differs from a group, truth be told, silence only makes matters worse.
The official International Women’s Day website asks people to use hashtags #AccelerateAction and #IWD2025 in images and social media posts to express solidarity and encourage others to help accelerate action within their own sphere of influence.
Make use of your social media to also recommend and support women-owned businesses to boost their growth, foster a sense of pride around women, and empower other females. There are thousands of new businesses with great potential that need visibility to stand out in the market, and a post, story, or like can represent a world of difference.
Other actions you can take today include: reading books about women, especially if they have an educational or awareness-raising component, if you are a parent or are in charge of girls, instilling in them that there is no “right” way to be a girl and that they deserve representation and opportunities and if you have a boy, teaching him to get involved in household chores and to respect everyone the same, and showing willingness to unlearn old patterns of thought.
If we multiply big and small actions carried out systematically at an individual and collective level with discipline, consistency and courage, we can achieve gender equality much sooner than expected.