Imagine a world equal for all genders. A world free of prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can work for the equality of women. International Women 's Day is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action to accelerate gender equality. Significant activity is witnessed around the world by groups coming together to celebrate women's achievements or to mobilize for women's equality. Each year on March 8, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to: celebrating women's achievements raise awareness about women'sequality apply pressure to accelerate gender equality raise funds for women-centered charities The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias (Breaking/Dismantling Prejudice). Whether deliberate or unconscious, prejudice makes it difficult for women to move forward. Knowing that prejudice exists is not enough. Action is needed to level the playing field. Beginning at age five, many girls begin to lose confidence in themselves and believe they are not as smart and capable as their male peers. They stop believing that they can be anything they want to be because of the gender they belong to. This problem is known as the "Dream Gap." "But how could we believe it when we are three times less likely to receive science-related play and when twice as many parents Google 'my son is a genius' instead of 'my daughter is a genius?' We need to see extraordinary women be extraordinary and find out how they made it to imagine becoming like them"(The Dream Gap Project - Barbie Mattel 2018) So yes, there is a need for an International Women's Day. According to the World Economic Forum, unfortunately none of us will see gender equality during our lifetime, and probably not many of our children will either. Gender parity will not be achieved for nearly a century. Individually, we are all responsible for our thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can break down biases in our communities. We can break biases in our workplaces. We can break biases in our schools, colleges and universities. Together, we can all break prejudice. "The history of women's struggle for equality does not belong to a single feminist or organization, but to the collective efforts of everyone who cares about human rights." (Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist, and activist). Celebrate women's achievements. Raise awareness against prejudice. Take action for equality. There is urgent work to be done - and we can all do our part. It's the small, everyday gestures that make the big revolutions. #BreaktheBias | #GoforPlanetA #StopTheWar | #StandForUkraine
