However, inequality still remains a major stumbling block, what can we do?
-Pradeep Pariyar Thapa
Exclusive: In just 10 years, UN Women which was formed in June, 2010, has already set the agenda straight- its uncompromising advocacy and policy on gender equality and empowerment for women of all walks of lives. However, inequality still remains a major stumbling block for holistic development of our society. Rightfully addressed this year’s theme for International Women’s Day (8 March), “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights” reflects the aspiration of millions of women who are fighting for their rights, dignity and equal pay.
Photos courtesy: Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar (NGO CSW NY/ADWAN)
But the bitter sweet fact is gender wage gap will take 40 years- or until 2059 -for women to finally reach pay parity with men where as women of color, the rate of change is even slower- Hispanic women will have to wait until 2224 and Black women will wait until 2130 for equal pay according to a report by Institute of Women’s Policy Research (IWPR). That’s alarming. So, what can we do ?
In the #MeToo era, we’ve to realize that women are our core partners of civil society, without them, we can’t succeed on achieving UN’s SDGs 2030 goals of eradicating poverty, hunger, illiteracy etc. from the modern society that we live and so proud of. Therefore, let’s join hands with women activists, leaders, entrepreneurs from around the world and become a true catalyst of change to bring down the gender inequality gap to zero. Our modern human existence is only meaningful when we create and be able to live in an equal society. Let’s not forget that we all came to this world from a mother’s womb and how come we let a society practice discrimination against women? Surely, we can be better human beings, can’t we?