At Global Girl Project, we centre the voices and perspectives of the girls we work with. We asked them what International Women’s Day means to them, and received a variety of answers, from those who find it empowering, to those who will not be celebrating it. Read on to explore new perspectives from girls in Jordan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.
Women's empowerment is about enabling women to have control over their lives, to have equal opportunities, and to be able to make choices without limitations or constraints based on gender. It's about challenging and breaking down barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential in all aspects of life – socially, economically, politically, and personally. On Women's Day, we celebrate the achievements of women throughout history and advocate for a world where every woman can thrive, succeed, and live free from discrimination and oppression. Empowering women isn't just the right thing to do; it's essential for creating a more equitable and just society for all. It requires collective action, support, and solidarity to ensure that women's voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their contributions are valued. Let's continue to strive for gender equality and empower women to create a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.
by Aniza, Pakistan
International Womenʼs Day is that special day that is hallmarked to celebrate women across the world, regardless of religion, shape, size, race, religious background, social status or financial situation. It is that moment to look inward and appreciate every woman in your life. It might be your sister, friend, mom, guardian, grandma, any woman at all.
For me, women should be celebrated everyday.
The more I come to realise that women go through so many pains just to bring forth another life into the world makes my belly twitch. Recently, I lost a very close person to me; my cousin. She died from a complication after child delivery. This happens to many other women as well. Many have died just to bring a child into the world, while some are struggling and doing whatever in their power to protect the future of their children and families.
The importance of women in our society is very crucial. So I decided to ask a few of my friends what they think about International Womenʼs Day. Here’s what I heard:
Eseroghene: “I think it’s good. It gives women a feeling of self worth and that they are very important in our society. I mean what will we all be without women? They are life givers.”
Anita: “Women should be treated with respect in the society and that they should be recognised. In Africa, it seems like men are not really recognising the value of women. We are very important and we should be made more special. Not just by saying ‘Happy Women’s Day’ but to make us feel special. While in secondary school, I participated in a debate on the topic; “women are more important in the society than men” which was a whole experience and I was able to convince my co-debaters that women should not be sidelined. Women should be given the chance to rule, to explore, to be given the opportunity to explore and dream beyond limit”
Peace: “It’s a day when women should enjoy themselves. It’s not easy to be a woman. The stress, struggle, the pain and all that. Well, women have been trying their best to prove their worth in this patriarchal society of ours so I feel women should be given this special moment to be celebrated.”
Following their opinions, it can be agreed that women should be given the opportunity to be included in all decision making that affects the family, society and even national status too.
by Tracy, Nigeria
International Women's day is a day where women are supposed to be uplifted and proud of society's progress, and while I understand the sentiment I can't celebrate because there are so many women in Sudan, Afghanistan, Palestine, Congo, and so many more countries where they aren't being treated properly. Many women around the world don't have access to food, clean water, and even hygienic products. I can't see myself celebrating while so many women are suffering.
by Rawan, Jordan