In the rapidly evolving 21st century, where technological advancements shape the world, women have long been celebrated as creators, nurturers, and even deities in various cultural traditions. Women have established themselves in diverse fields, such as art, politics, education, economics, culture, sports, science, entrepreneurship, law, and innovation, securing prestigious and respectable positions on an international level.
Gone are the days of female subjugation. Today, women are soaring high as pilots, leading groundbreaking science research, revolutionizing the IT sector, and excelling in countless other professions. The emergence of educated and empowered women is not only transforming households but also making a mark in governance, leadership, and tradition while maintaining familial and societal harmony.
Women are the pillars of our nation. They are our mothers, daughters, sisters, and life partners, playing vital roles in every aspect of human existence. Historically, civilizations have revered women as sacred forces—be it as the lifeline of a family or as mighty rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Kaveri. Therefore, ensuring women's safety and progress is not just a moral duty but a fundamental necessity for societal advancement.
The Need for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
Women’s education, empowerment, and well-being are being promoted globally through numerous initiatives. Sri Lanka has been celebrating International Women’s Day since 1978, with annual themes that focus on different aspects of women's development. Despite economic and social challenges, Sri Lankan women continue to demonstrate resilience and perseverance, gaining recognition for their contributions to society.
This year, International Women’s Day is celebrated under the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress." The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about gender equality, honor women's achievements, and advocate for positive societal change. Recognizing women's contributions worldwide is essential in building an inclusive and equitable society.
The United Nations has declared this day as part of its global movement to support women's rights and empowerment. In a world struggling with geopolitical conflicts, poverty, and climate change, empowering women is the key to overcoming these challenges.
Investing in women drives transformation. Providing safe and healthy environments while ensuring equal opportunities will accelerate societal change. The UN reports that by 2030, over 342 million women and girls may be living in extreme poverty. Governments must prioritize gender-responsive financial assistance and enhance social welfare spending to address these disparities. Recognizing and valuing women’s unpaid care work is also critical, as studies show that women spend three times more hours than men on such responsibilities.
Economic studies indicate that if adequate investments are made in women's empowerment, they could contribute to over 40% of a nation's GDP. Promoting gender equality and economic inclusion creates a prosperous future for all.
Sri Lanka’s Initiatives for Women's Leadership and Inclusion
Sri Lanka is making efforts to celebrate and enhance women's leadership. The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) has partnered with the Women’s Leadership Forum for initiatives under the theme "Inspire Inclusion – Count Her In," scheduled for March 14, 2024.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Japanese Government and the UN Women’s Organization, Sri Lanka has adopted its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (2023-2027). These efforts highlight the nation's commitment to gender equity and women's leadership in governance and peace-building.
Addressing Discrimination Against Women
Discrimination against women is a severe human rights violation and a significant barrier to their progress. Women play an indispensable role in solving social, economic, and political challenges. Their contributions are essential from family structures to international communities. A peaceful domestic environment, economic growth, and steady progress all require the active participation of women.
To strengthen global peace and security, women's leadership is crucial. The world has seen numerous remarkable women who have reshaped history, including Marie Curie, Florence Nightingale, Avvaiyar, Mother Teresa, Rani Lakshmibai, Sarojini Naidu, Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla, and many more.
Women are excelling in policing, law, politics, media, medicine, transportation, business, and sports, demonstrating their capabilities across all sectors. Even in traditionally male-dominated fields like transport and agriculture, women are making significant contributions. Many Sri Lankan women balance household responsibilities while engaging in part-time work to support their families. Additionally, Sri Lankan female athletes have brought home prestigious medals.
Recently, a young Tamil girl from Sri Lanka set a world record by walking directly from Maskeliya Estate to a police station in Nuwara Eliya—a testament to women's strength and resilience.
Women’s Global Achievements and Recognition
Women worldwide continue to break barriers. The BBC's 100 Women 2020 list included influential figures such as Saivani Bilkis, Manasi Joshi, and Ridhima Pandey, who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions.
In science, Marie Curie remains a historic figure, while many young female scientists are making groundbreaking discoveries. Indian women like Ritu Karidhal and Muthayya Vanitha have led major space missions at ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization), challenging gender norms.
Notably, Tessy Thomas, also known as the "Missile Woman of India," played a key role in the Agni-4 missile project. Ritu Karidhal, recognized as India's "Rocket Woman," contributed significantly to the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Similarly, Chandrayaan-2 Project Director Muthayya Vanitha and virologist Dr. Gagandeep Kang have made significant advancements in their fields.
Another remarkable achievement is by Mangala Mani, the first Indian woman scientist to spend 403 days in Antarctica, conducting research in extreme weather conditions. Kamatchi Sivarama Krishnan played a crucial role in NASA’s New Horizons mission, contributing to Pluto's exploration.
Challenges Women Face and Strategies for Change
Despite these achievements, women still face numerous challenges, including violence, discrimination, and a lack of equal opportunities. Gender-based violence remains a significant issue worldwide, making it essential to implement and enforce laws to protect women.
Key Strategies to Ensure Women’s Safety and Empowerment
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Strengthening Legal Protections
- Enforce laws such as Women’s Safety Acts, Domestic Violence Laws, and Cyber Protection Laws.
- Increase legal awareness among women regarding their rights.
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Enhancing Education and Skill Development
- Encourage female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
- Provide scholarships and skill-training programs for women.
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Economic and Financial Inclusion
- Increase government funding for women’s entrepreneurship and job creation programs.
- Ensure equal pay and career growth opportunities for women.
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Social and Cultural Awareness
- Promote gender equality education from an early age.
- Encourage families to support women’s aspirations rather than limit them.
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Technology and Digital Access
- Provide women with access to digital education and financial resources.
- Implement cyber safety programs to protect women from online harassment.
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Stronger Representation in Leadership and Politics
- Ensure higher female representation in government and corporate leadership roles.
- Promote women’s voices in policy-making and decision-making bodies.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for a Gender-Equal Future
While societies have made progress, the struggle for gender equality and women's empowerment continues. Even as we celebrate female pioneers, we must acknowledge the ongoing challenges women face and work collectively to eliminate gender biases.
Every individual, especially men, must recognize and support women's rights. True societal transformation will occur when men see women’s safety, dignity, and equality as their responsibility. Only then will we witness a world where women rise without barriers, thrive with dignity, and inspire generations to come.
Let us commit to creating a safer, more inclusive, and progressive world for women—because when women rise, society prospers.
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