Happy (the day after) International Women’s Day! March 8th is one of our favourite days at The Square. Our team is filled with amazing women who strive every day to achieve the best results possible, making us all proud of the work done during the last five years.
So, obviously, I couldn’t miss the chance to write about this major day, to talk about the motto for this year, and to let you know some ways to help women, all around the world. Remember: small gestures make a difference — the important thing is that we do something to make a change!
Why celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
We celebrate every woman, from the most varied socio-economic backgrounds, and their achievements, raising awareness about women’s equality and fighting for gender parity, in various ways.
This day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1975, with each country having the freedom to choose a national day, according to their history and roots.
However, despite all the progress made, gender inequality remains an issue. According to the most recent report made by Eurostat, in Portugal, the gender pay gap increased from 10.9{aa2bd0515941f502f1857e541b1c703dd7e1b9788e8ed1b2172c31ca4a64f54a} in 2019 to 11.4{aa2bd0515941f502f1857e541b1c703dd7e1b9788e8ed1b2172c31ca4a64f54a} in 2020. And that is only one example of these differences. All over the world, there is still a long way to go in the fight for women’s rights.
Journalist Gloria Steinem explains that “the story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights”. And that’s why there are so many initiatives not only to mark this day but to create greater recognition of the struggles that many women still face simply to have access to the same working, living, and safety conditions as men.
Oh, and did you know that there are even colors associated with this date? As you can see here, purple, green, and white represent justice, hope, and purity — some concepts related to women (though that last one is rather controversial).
#BreakTheBias: the motto for 2022
Every year, IWD selects a different theme on which they focus their campaign. In 2022, the motto is simple: Break the bias!
As I said, there is still a big gap between, for example, women’s and men’s salaries. Here in Portugal, in 2020, women had to work more 52 days than men to receive precisely the same amount of pay at the end of the month. So, together…
“Imagine a gender-equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women’s equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”
If you want to be part of this movement, show it, and cross your arms to show solidarity in images or videos, using #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias.
Throughout the year, you can also take action, according to United Nations Women, to continue to help women to achieve equality, advocate for their rights and break the bias.
- Raise your voice: Make noise about the issues. Don’t be afraid.
- Support one another: When you support women, you are helping to achieve gender equality.
- Know how to delegate tasks: There is no such thing as women’s domestic tasks. Everyone can help doing the laundry and taking out the trash.
- Educate the next generation: make sure to advocate for women’s rights to younger people.
- Know women’s rights: The only way to help women is to know what they are looking for. Read studies, talk with other women and be part of the change.
Lastly, we leave you with some videos of previous campaigns, designed by big brands to help spread awareness on women’s rights (and superpowers).
- One Day We Won’t Need This Day | Nike
- Body Proud Mums | Mothercare
- My Favourite Things | Volkswagen
- Make Room | Netflix
Feeling inspired? So am I. Use your voice. Let’s change the world.
