Before jumping into celebration mode for the idea of an International Men’s Day due to perceived fairness, it’s important to note that the existence of such a day on November 19 doesn’t imply gender equality has been fully achieved. The critique here is not about diminishing the importance of recognizing women’s rights and achievements but rather about the shallow and tokenistic nature of International Women’s Day.
Amid ongoing instances of gender-based violence and discrimination, the approach to International Women’s Day often falls short. Organizations may superficially acknowledge the day with gestures like baking a cake and delivering inspiring speeches, only to revert to business as usual shortly after.
In the UK, women continue to face significant challenges in the workplace, with only a small percentage holding top leadership positions and enduring persistent gender pay disparities, particularly exacerbated by life events like taking parental leave. These inequalities are further compounded when considering factors like ethnicity, religion, sexuality, disability, and socioeconomic status.
While recognizing the global struggle for women’s rights, the focus here is on the shortcomings of how International Women’s Day is observed in the UK. The theme of ‘Give to Gain’ for this year’s celebration is criticized for its lack of substantive impact and its tendency to promote generic gestures of generosity rather than addressing systemic issues.
Criticism is aimed at the perceived triviality of the themes chosen for International Women’s Day celebrations, with past themes like #BreakTheBias and #InspireInclusion being viewed as symbolic rather than actionable. The call is for a more substantial focus on addressing real issues such as the gender pay gap, equitable career progression, and improved family leave policies.
The expectation is for International Women’s Day to move beyond symbolic gestures and embrace a more impactful approach towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. By prioritizing tangible actions over tokenistic displays, the day can truly become a catalyst for positive change and meaningful progress.