This year, International Women’s Day (IWD), 8 March, highlights a theme that reflects women’s current struggles and aspirations worldwide. Women are still seeking to be included, heard, respected, valued, and treated fairly. The world’s population is over 8 billion 62 million. Women make up roughly half of the world’s population; therefore, they represent half of the world’s potential. This potential would not be realised when women remain unhealthy, undervalued, underrepresented, undermined, undereducated, overworked, and underpaid.
One of the most urgent issues affecting women is gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, harassment and human trafficking. Positive masculinity is not about hierarchy, privilege and control; it involves the softer things like a change in thoughts and a shift in attitudes toward gender roles. It’s about listening and supporting women. We tend to treat people the way we see them. Digital platforms must also be held accountable for ensuring a safer virtual space for women’s participation without harassment.
The call to ‘Accelerate Action’ for women’s equality is a call to action. It means moving beyond discussions and token representations to real, tangible solutions. These solutions must address gender disparities in wages, education, leadership, healthcare, safety, and the disproportionate burden of domestic responsibilities.
Dr Jude Jeanville, a senior ordained pastor, author, and advocate for social justice and positive masculinity, calls on men to use their voice and pen to bring misogyny and inequality to an end. In his book Justice for Women: The cry to end the pandemic of discrimination, intimidation, misogyny, abuse and violence against women in society and religious communities, Dr Jeanville challenges historical and cultural mindsets and narratives that have marginalised women, offering a powerful reinterpretation of biblical texts – which have long been misused to justify patriarchy, misogyny and the limitation of women.
How to ‘Accelerate Action’
Accelerate Action necessitates taking concrete steps to dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity. Give women 4 V’s:
1. Value Ontological Equality. The American Declaration of Independence states it beautifully, “We hold these truths to be self-evident. That all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
2. Voice. Don’t silence her. Let women’s voices be heard, primarily in traditionally male spaces. Men are more empathetic to women when they hear women’s narratives and voices.
3. Visibility and Accessibility. Female representation at all levels and recognition on the stage are essential. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, yet millions of girls worldwide are still denied access to quality schooling due to poverty, cultural norms, or conflict. Investing in scholarships, mentorship programmes, and policies that eliminate barriers, such as child marriage and gender-based violence.
4. Vocational Equality. Hire on ability and not sexuality. Give women equal access to leadership, promotions and pay. One of the most persistent challenges is the gender pay gap. Women continue to earn less than men for the same work, often facing limited opportunities for advancement, keeping them in an economic trap.
Gender equality affects us all
When women succeed, families and nations prosper. Therefore, achieving gender equality is not solely women’s responsibility. Men play a crucial role in challenging stereotypes, advocating for equal opportunities, and supporting women’s rights. Fathers and men who take an active role in caregiving and homemaking set a precedent for future generations.
There is work still to be done. Real change happens when we move beyond conversation to action. Let’s commit to being present and vocal and taking bold, measurable steps toward a more just and equal society.
Justice for Women: The cry to end the pandemic of discrimination, intimidation, misogyny, abuse and violence against women in society and religious communities.