International Women’s Day: Women's Rights in the Modern Age

Anaiah Fowlkes '28

Throughout history, women's rights have often been overlooked due to misogynistic viewpoints. We are all entitled to certain human rights: to live free from discrimination, to be educated, to own property, to earn an equal wage, etc. 

However, around the world, many women and girls still face discrimination simply based on gender. Gender inequality is the foundation for many problems that unreasonably affect women, and for centuries, women’s rights organizations have fought to confront this inequality head-on. 

They advocate for legislative changes and protest to demand that their rights are upheld. This all comes to a head during International Women’s Day, an annual holiday and a focal point for the women’s rights movement.

In Europe, equality between genders is a foundational right recognized by the EU. Women’s rights and equality have been recognized in legal aspects such as the Treaty of Rome in 1957, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the European Pillar of Social Rights. 

Although there is still much further to go, over the last five years, the EU has made unprecedented progress. Additionally, in light of International Women’s Day, the European Commission is reaffirming its dedication to gender equality while aiming for long-term advancement. Many campaigns, legislative measures, and programs have been set up and/or supported by the EU and European Commission to bring awareness to and address the inequalities surrounding gender.

Meanwhile, in Africa, significant strides towards gender equality have also been made; however, despite legal frameworks, there are still issues, especially concerning gender-based violence, financial inclusion, and access to justice. 

To show their commitment to gender equality and women's rights, many African nations have ratified international conventions such as the African Union's Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). 

Nevertheless, despite all programs and attempts at reform, in 2018, a World Health Organization survey confirmed that 40% of women in West Africa and 65% of Women in Central Africa had experienced violence. Women’s rights activists in Africa have to fight against stigmatization, ineffective institutions, femicide, and internalized gender stereotypes. 

In the Asia-Pacific, women’s rights activists continue to push for progression within their communities. This year, the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325, which petitions member states to support women's participation and leadership in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction, is celebrating 25 years. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is also celebrating 30 years, and the COP21 Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals is celebrating 10 years. 

Despite the several variations of programs and possible solutions available, conditions still remain bleak, as women still struggle with inequalities, discrimination, unfairness, or infringement of rights on an extreme scale. 

Within South America and Latin American countries, they are experiencing what scholars have labeled a “fourth-wave feminism,” distinguishable by the prevalent use of social media and emphasis specifically on violence against women. 

Although the use of social media activism is prevalent, traditional tactics (such as protesting & community organizing) are still in use as they’ve ever been. However, there is severe pushback to these policies of equality, primarily through the committing of femicide. 

Movements against gender-based violence have begun gaining traction throughout Latin American countries, and activists are pushing for better justice systems and cultural change.

Overall, the struggle for women’s rights is an ongoing issue. Although significant progress and reforms have been made, in some countries, the majority of women’s rights are being suppressed and/or ignored by people in positions of power. 

Effectively ensuring the safety of women’s rights not only requires an understanding of what millions of women around the world go through, but also the deconstruction of damaging gender stereotypes and stigmatization among many communities across the globe.