International Women’s Day

Today marks International Women’s Day – a single period of 24 hours when the world’s attention is drawn to the promotion of equality and fairness among the sexes.

For me, today is a day when I feel extremely proud to be a woman. I look at the achievements of my female friends, high profile females and, of course, the achievements of the women who fought for the education I receive today and who fought for me to be recognised as a citizen when I’m 18. The women who fought for my vote, often giving their life for it. Just thinking about it does make me quite emotional, actually. And rightly so. If only they could see society now.

Despite the fact we can vote and own property and become the Prime Minister, we’ve got a long way to go. In fact, I’d argue that the latter point isn’t even valid: our current Prime Minister hasn’t even been elected.

However, today, like every IWD, has a theme. This year’s is Be Bold for Change (tweet the hashtag ‘#BeBoldForChange’ to get involved) and we are – as men, women and non-binary people – encouraged to call upon ourselves and everyone else in the world to help forge a better, more gender-inclusive society. For me, this is exactly what feminism is all about: equality for all.

As we are supposed to be bold for change, I thought I’d put together a list of things we can all do (as human beings, irrespective of where we fall on the gender spectrum) to help create a better, more equal world.

1). Tackle the everyday issues first

When you’re at school, home, work or on the street, be aware of sexist language and stereotypes. Don’t conform to them and raise your voice when it happens to you and, if you’re confident enough, when it happens to someone else. We have a voice and we can use it.

2). Educate yourself on why the world needs feminism

In basically every instance, when women have been educated, things get better. In countries where women can’t go to school, like areas of Pakistan, Cambodia, Haiti, Turkey, Ethiopia and many, many more, feminism is needed. It’s not just for us tackling everyday sexism (which is no more acceptable, by the way), but for our sisters all over the world, still being oppressed by rotten governments.

There are 31 million girls out of primary school in the world as we speak. If they don’t attend primary school, there is no hope of them progressing to secondary school, never mind degree level. As a result, there are fewer women in positions of influence and power, confined to a domestic life controlled by the patriarchy.

3). Raise up other women

Sometimes it might be difficult to champion other women, especially those who we’ve fallen out with. However, it’s still entirely possible to raise up our fellow girls and women. Congratulate your friends on their achievements, thank that teacher for her brilliant lesson and insight; encourage other women to join in and take one step closer to their dreams.

4). Recognise how many women are being killed each day

Domestic violence affects both men and women. And it is never acceptable under any circumstance. Emotional or physical, abuse is abuse.

However, statistics show that globally, one in three women will experience violence at the hands of a male partner. In England and Wales, two women are killed every week by a former or current partner. And one woman is killed every three days.

85% of domestic abuse victims are female too. Domestic violence is an epidemic – and one that is often brushed under the carpet. With funding being cut to domestic violence services in the UK, things don’t look very good for improving the lives of trapped women and often their children as well.

We need to be aware of these statistics and help out anyone we may suspect as being a victim of domestic abuse. It is our moral duty to do so. Not just as a woman, but as a human being.

5). Think about your future

One of the most important things we can do in today’s society is be the change we wish to see in the world.

If you want to be a politician, focus your energy on that.

If you want to be a doctor, focus your energy on that.

If you want to be a writer, focus your energy on that.

If you want to be an engineer, focus your energy on that.

If you want to do something that women don’t do, focus your energy on that. Follow your dreams and work hard for them. Unfortunately for us, we haven’t won the gender birth lottery and things don’t come as easy to us as men. Even our wages are less. For every £1 a man makes in this country, we make 81p.

We need to ensure our future is in our hands and no one else’s.

You can make your pledge to Be Bold for Change this International Women’s Day here. Please do go public about it and spread awareness of the need for such a day as today to your friends and family.

Anyone up for some extra reading/watching? Here are some links you may be interested in today:

• Emmeline Pankhurst’s (Suffragette) ‘Freedom or death’ speech. It’s amazing and you’ll feel so powerful. Just read it. Click here.
• Emma Watson’s (UN Goodwill Ambassador) speech on gender equality at the United Nations. So powerful you may cry. Watch it here.
• J.K. Rowling’s (Harry Potter author) Harvard Commencement speech. I always watch it when I need some inspiration. Watch it here.
• Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird is brilliant not just for quashing racism but sexism too. Buy the book here.
• Hillary Clinton’s (Presidential candidate, Senator) speech on women’s rights being human rights. Ahead of its time. Watch here.
• Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice includes one of the earliest female heroines ever. A feminist novel without a doubt. Buy it here.
• Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. A much more passionate feminist novel than Austen’s. I loved it and hope you will too. Buy it here.