Waiting, Watching and Wondering

Roselyn Musa writes about International Women's Day as a time to reflect on how far women have come, and how far they still have to go

INTRODUCTION

As I reminisce over the celebration of yet another International Women’s Day (IWD), I remember a popular candy I used to relish as child which boasted of immediate enjoyment of hard, fruity coating before you reach the chewy, long- lasting centre. To me this encapsulates the struggle for women’s rights the world over, in that while we walk the tight rope to promoting and protecting the rights of women we endure a lot of hard stuff along with the fruit as we move towards the day when struggling for women’s rights will become history and IWD will be a recounting of how we overcame, how women’ equal dignity and human rights as full beings are not only enshrined in the basic instruments of today’s international community, but are realized and are made central to our vision of a democratic society.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

For the uninitiated, I may need to explain its origins. The International Women’s Day (8 March) was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly, composed of delegates from every member state, in recognition that peace and social progress require the active participation and equality of women, and to acknowledge the contribution of women to international peace and security. It is often designated a public holiday in many countries when women (and men) come together annually to celebrate and mark the day; when they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development. Ordinarily, it is the story of ordinary and extraordinary women as makers of history. A day rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men.

For the women of the world, the day is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements irrespective of diversities, whether racial, religious, national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

IS ANYONE TRAMPLING OUR RIGHTS?

Personally, when I talk about women’s rights I have often been challenged and asked the rhetorical question whether anyone is trampling on our rights. My response, of course is a big ‘yes’. Let us examine some of these rights: I will be modest and give only a few examples. In the enjoyment of their rights, women face constraints and vulnerabilities which differ from those that affect men and which are of significant relevance to the enjoyment of these rights. At the same time, these variables mean that women may be affected by violations of rights in ways that are different from men. For example, women are disproportionately affected by poverty and social marginalization. Women suffer systemic discrimination, which results in deep patterns of inequality and disadvantage. The overall level of development and of resources available to our countries, particularly in Africa continue to dwindle and women bear the brunt, women’s literacy levels and women’s access to information and to legal remedies also have an impact on enjoyment of their rights. The gender based division of labour, with women being primarily responsible for reproductive work and work related to the family, and men for productive work, also contributes to the perpetuation of gender based inequalities.

Yet it is encouraging to note that in spite of the un-enabling environment women have contributed immensely to society’s development in politics, industry, commerce, education, academia, agriculture, the environment and the home, thereby benefiting both women and men.

This emphasizes that such gender based inequalities and disadvantages need to be addressed explicitly in all actions of governments and of other actors entrusted with their implementation, beginning with our very own charter, the Protocol to the African Charter for Human and Peoples Rights on Women’s Rights.

Why dedicate a day exclusively to the celebration of the world's women?
The simple answer is that it is an important day for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women. For the women of the world, the day's symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development It is true, though, that recent decades having seen progress: with increased women's access to education and proper health care, high growth in their participation in the paid labour force; adoption of legislation that promises equal opportunities for women and respect for their human rights in many countries. However, nowhere in the world can women claim to have the same rights and opportunities as men. This leaves us wondering for how long this deplorable situation will continue. Not for long I hope.

Finally, we just need to realise and appreciate the fact that there can be no peace, security and sustainable economic development if societies continue to deny human rights, including the human rights of women and until the men and women work together to secure the rights and full potential of women, lasting solutions to the world's most serious social, economic and political problems are unlikely to be found. But we shall overcome. You’ll see.

*Roselyn Musa is an advocacy Officer at FEMNET.

**Please send comments to or comment online at www.pambazuka.org