Our View: Gender parity should be a concern for all

Did you know some experts predict global gender equality will be achieved by 2133?

It is hard to fathom that gender equality is not yet a universally accepted concept, let alone that it might take 115 years (or possibly more) before women around the world will be able to celebrate gender parity.

While women in the U.S. celebrate many equalities, we all know that minority groups of all sorts still face many obstacles in our society.

Today is International Women’s Day. This global day celebrates the cultural, political, social and economic achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

“International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900’s — a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies,” according to internationalwomensday.com. “No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day.”

International Women’s Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action — whatever that looks like globally and at a local level.

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights,” said world-renowned feminist, journalist and social and political activist Gloria Steinem.

As Steinem points out, International Women’s Day is not just for women. It is for all those who believe that no matter a person’s gender, they should have equal rights and opportunities.

By denying rights or fairness to women around the world, we are holding back future leaders, future innovators, future entrepreneurs and more.

To celebrate this global campaign, choose action. Maintain your own mindset regarding gender parity. Challenge stereotypes and biases. Forge positive visibility for women. Press to have a positive influences on others’ beliefs about gender equality. And celebrate the achievements of the women in your life.

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