BY: Shallon S.Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY — International Women’s Day, an annual United Nations campaign to publicize efforts to create gender equality worldwide.
The idea is that enabling women’s economic stability can go a long way towards achieving equality efforts.
Abigail Paygar, a prominent Liberian female studying in Kigali, Rwanda has joined forces comprising of women in that East African region and women back home (Liberia) in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day.
Ms. Paygar observed that women’s rights are not respected, but increasingly coming under threats by their male partners and counterparts, which the world is actually at a crucial crossroads for gender equality.
According to her, women’s resilience, intellect, and compassion have shaped Liberia in a profound ways, an essential roadmap to recognize and amplify women’s voices, fostering a future where gender equality prevails, driving positive change across Liberia and the global world.
Ms. Abigail Paygar, a 2022 graduate of the Cuttington University with BSc degree in Nursing is currently advancing her educational development, opting for a master degree in Human Resource Management at University of Lay Adventists of Kigali in Rwanda.
Speaking to WomenVoices Newspaper via telephone from Kigali, Ms. Paygar applauds a joint effort to support gender equality and overcome barriers that prevent women from having a complete and empowered role in societies to contribute to African development.
She further noted that women often bear the brunt of caretaking and budgeting duties in a household especially in periods of inequity.
FULL MESSAGE BY MS. ABIGAIL PAYGAR
March 8th marks International Women’s Day, an opportunity to reflect on both the challenges that remain as well as the significant progress that has been made towards gender equality.
While full equality has yet to be achieved, there is no doubt that the situation for women around the world has improved enormously in recent decades.
In many countries, women now have greater access to education and economic opportunities than ever before. More girls than boys are enrolling in primary and secondary school in most nations.
Women are entering the workforce in increasing numbers and advancing into leadership roles in politics, business and other sectors that were previously male-dominated.
Technological advances have also helped reduce the burden of domestic work, freeing up time for women’s personal and professional development.
Men and women support the idea of equality.
Legally, discriminatory laws and policies against women have been reformed in many places. Domestic violence is being taken more seriously and support systems for victims have expanded.
Reproductive rights and access to healthcare have notably expanded as well. Attitudes are also shifting as new generations of men and women support the idea of equality between the sexes.
Of course, serious imbalances and injustices persist in every society. Women still face harassment, sexual offenses, barriers to success and gender-based violence in alarming levels.
There is a still a noticeable wage gap compared to men in most countries. Traditional attitudes die hard in some areas as well. More work is undoubtedly needed.
Overall however, International Women’s Day is an occasion to both acknowledge how far we have come and recommit to closing the gaps that remain. With continued effort and cooperation between men and women, the dream of true gender equality seems closer than ever to becoming a reality worldwide.
Our future is bright if we build on past gains and keep progressing step by step together towards justice and fairness for all.
