Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day?
This blog post was written by Megan Henderson, our Senior Communications & Events Officer.
International Women’s Day is marked annually on the calendar on the 8th March. Every year it is an opportunity to remind ourselves of women’s achievements - but why do we celebrate it?
Historically many women have faced inequity and while some people believe this is now a thing of the past, sadly that’s simply not true. In the UK, only 29% of seats in parliament are filled by women, meaning women are heard less in lawmaking and decision-making. And in the places where our partners work, women are even less likely to be heard in the decision-making within their own homes. Here are some key figures from one of the countries where our partners work, Uganda.
Sources: UN Women & UNDP Human Development Reports
Yet, women have the power to transform communities. They are caretakers, problem-solvers, innovators and peace-keepers. When a woman is empowered she often uplifts her whole family - not just herself. When one woman changes her circumstances, the circumstances for those around her change too.
After losing both her parents, Afiya moved in with relatives and had to drop out of school because they could not afford the fees. Afiya was pushed to marry early so a husband could provide for her. After having two children, Afiya decided to leave and divorce her husband, who was mistreating her.
“I have declared to stand and to be an example to other community members by saying; ‘time has come to start a new journey in life and our families, journey of freedom not violence, free participation for change.’”
Afiya at her business.
Afiya joined a Savings Group and began renting her own place. Most of the profits she earned from her business selling vegetables went towards her rent. In 2019, a friend in the Group encouraged Afiya to take a loan and invest in buying land so that she could build her own home instead of renting. Afiya took a loan which enabled her to purchase land and expand her business.
“I was now able to build a room for me and my children and now, I no longer rent. I am happy with my children in our own house. Saving in the Group has helped me become independent. I am paying for school fees and other necessities including; exercise books, pens and school uniforms.”
On International Women’s Day we celebrate women like Afiya, who took huge steps to change her circumstances, escaping domestic violence and providing more for her children. But in celebrating we remind ourselves: there are many more women, just like Afiya, who still have not access to a Savings Group; who still have not had the opportunity to change their circumstances and create a more equitable community for themselves and their family. With your support, our partners can stand with more women on International Women’s Day and every other day, to support them in creating a brighter future.