Today, March 8, marks the celebration of International Women's Day, a tradition that spans over a century. This year's theme, 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress,' underscores the vital call to action. On this significant occasion, the United Nations (UN Women) emphasizes the imperative of investing in women as the most effective solution to confront the escalating global crises.
In the face of global crises, achieving gender equality stands as a pressing imperative, compounded by a staggering annual deficit of USD 360 billion for gender-equality measures. Today, on March 8, 2024, International Women’s Day takes center stage with the rallying call to 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress.' Immediate and collective action is urged in key areas, recognizing the investment in women as a human rights issue, addressing poverty intensified by recent crises, implementing gender-responsive financing, advocating for a shift to a green economy and care society, and supporting feminist change-makers who currently receive a mere 0.13% of total official development assistance.
Alarming projections indicate that if present trends persist, over 342 million women and girls could endure extreme poverty by 2030. Today, the call is for governments to prioritize gender-responsive financing and boost public spending on essential services and social protection, ensuring the consideration of women's needs and priorities. Policymakers are urged to recognize and value the significant contributions women make to global economies through both paid and unpaid care work. Women devote nearly three times more time to unpaid care work than men, and if monetized, these activities would constitute over 40% of GDP. Emphasizing the importance of investing in women and championing gender equality, this call envisions a future where everyone thrives, fostering boundless opportunities and empowerment for all in society.
Read more about it on the UN website.