International Women’s Day : Women Don’t Need Hashtags & Discounts !

International Women’s Day: Women Don’t Need Hashtags & Discounts – We Need Equality & Real Change!

KAKALI DAS

It’s that time of the year again when social media is flooded with feel-good empowerment quotes, brands roll out special discounts on fashion accessories, and influencers share curated posts about breaking stereotypes. Why? Because it’s March 8—International Women’s Day.

That’s when the world hits the pause button and decides to honour women. After all, strides have been made – women are breaking barriers in education, making their mark in the workforce, claiming seats in parliaments, and reaching new heights, both on Earth and beyond.

So, on Women’s Day, the world gears up with catchy slogans, social media trends thrive on hashtags, and panel discussions remain within the confines of well-curated conference halls, where the real impact often gets lost in the noise.

But if this day truly mattered, if governments were genuinely committed to change, they would confront the harsh realities women face every day. Because Women’s Day isn’t just about celebration—it’s also a reminder of the injustices, struggles, and the work that remains undone.

It exposes the backsliding of women’s rights and the betrayal of commitments. Nearly every nation has pledged to achieve gender equality, yet not a single one has fully delivered on that promise—not now, not ever.

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So, this Women’s Day, here’s a bold suggestion for policymakers—move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to real progress. Let’s start with meaningful policy changes at the very foundation.

If pushing progress forward is too much to ask, at the very least, don’t drag it backward.

Take a hard look, America—with the alarming rollback of abortion rights—and Afghanistan, where women and girls are stripped of the right to work, study, or even speak freely in public. But if your country isn’t quite as extreme, don’t just hand women flowers on March 8—give them something far more valuable: safety. Safety on the streets, in their homes, at their workplaces. Because here’s the brutal reality—one in every three women worldwide will endure physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Let that sink in.

Stop merely debating menstrual leave—tackle period poverty, reform gender-blind policies, and dismantle the so-called ‘Pink Tax.’ Because the real issue isn’t workplace perks; it’s the countless women who still struggle to afford basic menstrual products.

Women’s Day discounts on kitchen appliances, makeup kits, might be well-intentioned. But here’s a better idea— how about this—take a stand against domestic violence, because this is how many women are still facing abuse behind closed doors.

Or fight child marriage – because this is how many girls around the world have been forced into marriage before they even turn 18.

Forget about pushing Wellness campaigns—prioritize their actual health, the real healthcare reform for women. Yes, they may outlive men, but they spend more years battling illness and inadequate care. The result? A staggering 75 million years of life lost worldwide.

Tackle the gender gap in the workforce. Women still earn less than men, with the gender pay gap at 20%—meaning for every $10 a man makes, a woman gets just $8 for the same work. And while more women are making it to the top, they still own less than a fifth of businesses and hold fewer than a quarter of senior corporate positions—and that’s just the global average.

In the US, women lead just 10% of the top 500 companies, and in India, the number drops to a mere 5%. If that sounds bad, consider this—some countries don’t have a single female CEO at the helm of a major company.

And after wading through this grim reality check, remember—true progress on women’s rights demands more women in leadership, more women shaping policies. Because here’s the truth—only 1 in 7 countries is led by a woman, and it was only about two years ago that women finally secured representation in every parliament worldwide.

Policymakers can speak of progress, and their rhetoric on equality may shine bright on March 8. But the data tells a different story—it’s mostly just lip service. Superficial discussions and one-day gestures dilute the significance of this day. Instead, it should be a moment for real action—when policymakers commit to meaningful change, when people demand more from their leaders, and when political, economic, and social equality for women takes the spotlight.

Because women don’t need chocolates, empowerment hashtags, or discounted spa coupons—they want an end to gender-based violence and the freedom to walk down the street without fear. Most importantly, they need to stop being treated as second-class citizens.

08-03-2025

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