115th International Women's Day
This year, 2025, marks 50 years of International Women's Day, a milestone in our journey towards gender equality.
Although the idea of Women's Day dates back to the 1908 labour movement, when garment workers in New York marched for better pay and voting rights, it was in 1975 that the UN officially recognised March 8 as International Women's Day. Since then, this day has been observed to recognise the cultural, political, social, and economic achievements of women while continuing efforts to end gender biases and discrimination.
Despite decades of progress, we must ask ourselves - how far have we truly come? When we think of our sisters in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, it is shocking that in this time and era, women face severe restrictions on basic freedom. Their movement, speech, education, and even clothing choices are dictated by men.
Meryl Streep, in her speech at the UN, stated: "A cat has more freedom than a woman in Afghanistan because it can walk on the street alone. A squirrel has more freedom because it can go to the park, while women cannot. A bird has more freedom because it can sing, but women cannot."
Despite global conversations and international seminars, women still face oppression and violence. Rape, domestic abuse and gender-based violence remain widespread, with justice often delayed or denied. Women continue to struggle for equal pay, equal opportunities, and financial independence. Even today, women are expected to prioritise caregiving over career ambitions. Social pressure, cultural norms, and patriarchal systems remain so deeply ingrained women still fight battles for their rights.
In Nepal, cultural taboos around menstruation persist. Girls are forbidden from entering kitchen during their mensuration cycle. They are asked to stay away from family, miss school, and not touch food prepared for others. It's not just in far remote villages but even in Kathmandu in some households, Chhaupadi is practised where menstruating women are isolated. It continues despite strict laws banning it. Laws alone cannot change this, deep-rooted social norms remain the biggest hurdle.
In many households, a male family member, husband, father, or brother - decides whether a woman should work and, if so, in which field. Women's voices are silenced - not just in the bedroom but also in the boardroom.
Another major issue in Nepal and its neighbouring countries is of child marriage. Although the legal age for marriage is 20, many girls, especially in rural areas, are married off much earlier due to traditional beliefs, economic hardship, and social pressure. The consequences are devastating - early pregnancy, lack of education, and a higher risk of domestic violence.
If we look at the positive side, access to education for women and girls has improved, with higher literacy rates and increasing enrolment in higher education. More women are entering STEM fields and entrepreneurship, which were traditionally male-dominated area. Improvements in maternal healthcare have reduced mortality rates and empowered women with choices about their own bodies.
Fifty years ago, women's political presence was minimal. Today, women hold leadership positions in government, parliament, and international organisations. Nepal and its neighbouring countries India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan have all had female Presidents or Prime Ministers. Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in parliament. Iceland ranks top in gender equality in governance.
According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2024, the top-ranking countries for gender equality are Iceland, Finland, Norway, and New Zealand. Sweden is ranked as the most self-declared feminist country in 2024. While there is still much work to be done, we have made significant strides in closing the gender pay gap and advocating for equal pay for equal work.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) conducts workshops on equal remuneration. The ILO Equal Remuneration Convention,1951 states the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.
The impact of social media is debatable, but one thing is certain it has amplified women's voices, providing access to education, career opportunities, and advocacy platforms for gender equality.
Global campaigns such as International Women's Day and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence have brought issues like domestic violence, equal pay, and women's health into the global spotlight. Various UN bodies like UNICEF, UNFPA are active in 16-day campaign. Zonta International, a global organisation, participates in the 16-day activism against gender based violence.
When I look at my household, I see a significant shift from my grandmother's time to my daughter's time.
Celebrating 50 years of International Women's Day is not just about honouring achievements, it's about recognising resilience, strength, and determination of women worldwide who continue to break barriers and create change for future generations.
Golchha is the Past President, Zonta Club Kathmandu
