In the 21st century, you would think the data about women’s circumstances worldwide have improved. But current data still paints a very dismal picture. Women are still 70% of the world’s poor, they are still 75% of the civilians killed in war (along with their children), and still receive only 10% of global income for 66% of the world’s work (UN). And so today, March 8, 2010, ladies around the globe celebrate the centennial anniversary of International Women’s Day with optimism that the next 100 year will see much greater improvements in the lives of women.
Improving the everyday situations for women must become a priority of every nation if we hope to make effective, lasting changes. Curbing violence against women, in any shape or form, must be at the top of the priority list. This is an extremely important, GLOBAL issue that affects women in the poorest of regions to the wealthy neighborhoods. Whether the violence occurs during times of war or during times of marital disputes, violence is violence. Society as a whole must come to understand that women are not to be dominated by men and that women are in all ways equal to men. It is not until this notion is completely accepted by individuals all over the world that violence against women will begin to end.
“There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women”, a quote by Madeline Albright, truly epitomizes the advances made by women and how vital support for those advances was from other women. Today represents a day when women can come together internationally to show support for a cause that is essential to all our lives. Women have made large steps toward equal rights, equal opportunities, and therefore greater general productivity, however, women must continue to take a stand for rights that are guaranteed to all.
