International Women’s Day (IWD) is needed more than ever – despite the progress that has been made in the past few years. It’s been celebrated since the early 1900s, but the problem of gender inequality still persists around the world.
It’s estimated by the UN that women only make 77 cents for every dollar earned by men for the same job plus women are still deemed as lesser citizens just because of their gender. Women are underrepresented in major roles and there is still room for growth.
Despite this, there have been some incredible changes and here are 5 facts that’ll inspire you that change is happening but also there is a long way to go.
AN EXTRA YEAR OF EDUCATION CAN HELP A GIRL EARN 15-25% MORE AS AN ADULT
This comes from UNICEF, and shows that education is vital for women to push them to earn more as an adult to be equal next to men.
GIRLS WHO COMPLETE SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE 3X LESS LIKELY TO BECOME CHILD BRIDES.
According to Girls Not Brides, young girls are less likely to be forced into child brides if they are educated!
AN EDUCATED FEMALE POPULATION INCREASES A COUNTRY’S PRODUCTIVITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
This comes from GlobalGrowth, who found that some countries lose more than $1 billion a year by failing to educate girls the same level as their male classmates.
CELEBRATING THE DAY GOT WOMEN THE VOTE IN RUSSIA
In 1917, women striked in Russia to honour the day and advocate for gender equality. The women were not intimidated by threats of violence and continued, this led the government to grant women the right to vote!
#CHOOSETOCHALLENGE THIS YEAR
For this year, IWD decided to challenge the norm and to challenge the world. Use the #ChooseToChallenge to show your support and that you intend to challenge the world too!
Words by Nicole Morris
GIRLS IRL 