International Women’s Day 2021
I’ve been asked on several occasions what International Women’s Day means to me. Here is my response.
As a Mancunian girl, women’s suffrage is a cause close to my heart. I regularly (pre-pandemic) walk past the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst in St Peter‘s Square, which was enacted to commemorate 100 years of women reaching a form of suffrage in 1918. Manchester has a rich history as the political hub of the Suffragette movement, which has impacted on its citizens decades later. When I served as Member of Youth Parliament for Manchester, I considered all the efforts women had gone to to ensure our voices were heard; I felt the pressure to uphold the standards set for me by my predecessors.
"The ideal world does not exist on a better than before basis, but the best situations possible."
It is so important to celebrate all of the progress made, but we must not forget the reason for having an International Women’s Day in the first place. Yes, women have overcome big hurdles to get where they are today, but women all around the world still face so many challenges that are overlooked, merely because things are “better than before”. The ideal world does not exist on a better than before basis, but the best situations possible. Women are still discriminated against in the workplace, and are expected to earn less than male counterparts even with the same qualifications. Yes, women being in the workplace was not the norm 50 years ago, so maybe this is progress enough? No. This does not negate the fact that based purely on gender, women still face sexism.
The #GenderPayGap has been made popular again, recently in Hollywood, where female actors are still receiving inadequate pay compared to their male co stars. A few men have come forward to say they will not take on roles if paid less than their female co stars. This has been noted in the television industry too, with the BBC’s salaries for presenters being published to see how much gender is affecting opportunities for women.
"We applaud these “achievements” - but when a man is elected in to these positions it is the norm."
I don’t think women have achieved equality. We are far from it. One of the major indicators is Kamala Harris’ appointment as Vice President of the United States and Theresa May’s term as Britain's second female Prime Minister. We applaud these “achievements” - but when a man is elected in to these positions it is the norm. It will not be considered equality until women being in positions of power is the standard.
"Women are criticised for everything we do. Too bold, too bossy, too bitchy, all of it. "
Being a woman in the 21st century is tough, because you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Women are criticised for showing our bodies too much, or excessively covering them up. Women are criticised for speaking on “men’s topics” like politics because how could we have an opinion? Women are criticised for everything we do. Too bold, too bossy, too bitchy, all of it.
I think we need to stop celebrating and start changing societal attitudes. Lockdown has affected women disproportionately, with more women taking on household burdens than ever before. In the 21st century, households are a family‘s responsibility and not just a woman’s, meaning we should all pitch in.
Abroad, we see Scandinavian countries paving the way for women. The U.K. is behind with maternity leave allowance as well as childcare provisions. How can we expect women to raise families and hold down a career if they do not receive support?
"However, in the country that boasts being a land of opportunity, the USA has never had a female President... this shows us just how insidiously rooted sexism is in the structure of society."
In other countries, women are finally being allowed to drive! There is such a gulf between women’s rights in countries. I think there are many obvious comparisons, but what I never seem to understand is the USA and Pakistan. Pakistan is my country of heritage, and had its first female Prime Minister (Benazir Bhutto) in 1988. Pakistan is far from being progressive in terms of women’s rights. However, in the country that boasts being a land of opportunity, the USA has never had a female President. Not once in their 200+ years of history has a woman been in charge. This shows us just how insidiously rooted sexism is in the structure of society.
International Women's Day is symbolic to discuss the progress made, and to celebrate the women in our lives. I am fortunate to know so many brilliant women who succeed regardless of barriers.
We have come so far, but we still have a long way to go in making society more equal for women.
*Image is from www.internationalwomensday.com I do not own the rights to this image.
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