IWD 2023 – #EmbraceEquity

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a celebration of womanhood, acknowledging and concentrating efforts on educating society on how we can break glass ceilings and bridge the gender gap. Celebrated annually on March 8th, IWD is a day to celebrate and reflect on societal advancements towards gender equality and mobilize efforts to create a diverse and inclusive, gender-equal world. 

SLF’s foundational pillars of support, education and advocacy all lend to the ideals of building stronger families, creating safer classrooms and fostering the empowerment of youth. Our focus has always been on combatting discrimination of all kinds, including discrimination and violence against women, girls and gender-non-conforming people. 

Ending discrimination against women, girls and gender-non-conforming people is crucial for a sustainable future. Gender equality is a human rights issue that builds a nation and affects us all. 

Though progress has been made with representation and placing women in public office and in decision-making positions, there are still undeniable inequalities across the world. Sexual violence and exploitation and a lack of access to sexual and reproductive health resources are just a few of the barriers that women, girls and gender-non-conforming people continue to disproportionately face.

That’s why this year’s theme, #EmbraceEquity is incredibly important. Gender equality can only be achieved through gender equity – where everyone is treated fairly. Discrimination and violence against women, girls and gender non-conforming people only creates and fosters division, acting as a roadblock to the nation’s growth. We must all stand together to uplift women, girls and gender non-conforming people and ensure that they are heard, valued and respected, for we cannot truly prosper as a nation unless ALL citizens have equal rights.

We must understand that in order to advance gender equality, we must collaboratively and collectively create a fair and equitable world in all aspects – socially, economically and legislatively. We call on those in authority to implement substantial changes that would effectively eradicate the culture of discrimination and violence against women, girls and gender non-conforming people.

We encourage everyone to foster safe, gender-equal and equitable spaces that are inclusive, diverse, and free from bias, stereotypes, violence and discrimination. We must continue to build on representation, showing women and young girls everywhere that they have a seat at the table. We stand against every form of oppression that affects women, girls and gender non-conforming people and persevere in our efforts to promote equality.

Happy International Women’s Day!