Hard Won…Not Done
Ensuring the right to vote is paramount to sustaining democracy in any country. In the past, several countries denied this right, especially to women. Observation of Women’s Equality Day recognises the continuous struggle for women’s participation and equality in all spheres of life. It is observed every year on August 26. The struggle for getting the right to vote in a celebrated democracy like the US has a long history. The efforts started in 1878, in amending the constitution took years to get a pass. Women have the right to vote in every country except Vatican City, where only Catholic Church cardinals (male) vote to elect the pope. Saudi Arabia is the latest to give rights to women to vote (in 2011). New Zealand was the first country that gave women the right to vote. Women struggle a lot for the right to vote and their participation in the formation of the government. Only twenty-one countries had a female head of State or Government. The government of India has given its women the right to vote since Independence (universal adult franchise). They still lack social, financial, and political representation in society to date. There are a handful of women representatives in the Parliament. This year’s theme for “Women’s Equality Day” is “Hard Won, but Not Done”. Very apt and symbolic, even though universal suffrage (the right to vote) is there, but when it comes to gender equality, it is a clear “Not Done“. The focus of the world is to achieve the same. Let it begin with us, at our homes, the place where we work and the society in which we live.
Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and building good governance.
Kofi Annan, former Secretary General, UN
Ensuring the right to vote is paramount to sustaining democracy in any country. In the past, several countries denied this right, especially to women. Observation of Women’s Equality Day recognises the continuous struggle for women’s participation and equality in all spheres of life. It is observed every year on August 26. The struggle for getting the right to vote in a celebrated democracy like the US has a long history. The efforts started in 1878 in amending the constitution, which took years to get a pass. Even though by the early 1900s, women were given voting rights by several countries, the same was not true in the US. August 26 was designated Women’s Equality Day by the US Congress to remind the struggles of the past. In 1971, Richard Nixon, the 37th US President, officially declared the date as women’s rights day, becoming the first president to do so. It is the 102nd anniversary of the certification of the 19th amendment to the US Constitution, securing women’s right to vote.
Women have the right to vote in every country except Vatican City, where only Catholic Church cardinals (male) vote to elect the pope. Saudi Arabia is the latest to give Rights to women to vote (in 2011). New Zealand was the first country that gave women the right to vote. Studies show that increased women’s participation in public life helps the country and society develop. Women struggle a lot for the right to vote and their participation in the formation of the government.
A report says that there are eighteen countries where husbands have the right to prevent their wives from working. Many more counties where sons and daughters do not share equal inheritance rights. The number of women in the national Parliament is less than 25%. Only twenty-one countries had a female head of State or Government. The proportion of women in senior management roles was a mere 29%. The ratio of women in senior management roles was a mere 29%. Women’s leadership is essential if we want to move toward more just and sustainable societies. A significant attitudinal shift is happening about women’s equality. Unfortunately, women are still not paid the same as their male counterparts, not present in equal numbers in business or politics. There are many areas where equal opportunities are not there.
The government of India has given its women the right to vote since Independence (universal adult franchise). They still lack social, financial, and political representation in society to date. There are a handful of women representatives in the Parliament. Giving equal opportunity and economic empowerment are the essential steps to see the country’s overall progress. Our nation cannot develop to its potential if we keep half its population – the women – behind several social and cultural barriers.
Appreciate the progress made by women against all the odds. Observation of Women’s Equality Day focuses on uplifting and empowering women. It is to focus on ending all forms of gender violence and ensuring equal opportunities in all spheres of life.
You alone cannot change the world, but you can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.
Mother Theresa
The year theme for Women’s Equality Day is “Hard Won but Not Done”. Very apt, symbolically universal suffrage (the right to vote) is there, but when it comes to gender equality, it is a clear “Not Done”. The focus of the world is to achieve the same. Let it begin with us, at our homes, the place where we work and the society in which we live.
Toons: Shreya
Logs: M. Sai Baba
ToonLogs
