TODAY marks International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”and has the hashtag #BeBoldForChange. Bringing about gender equality (50/50 men and women ratio) is not only an audacious aspiration, though not impossible, but it requires boldness, shattering ceilings and being uncompromising in playing an assertive role in achieving the goal.

While it is true that over the years women have made significant advancements, having for centuries being told it’s a man’s world, and refusing to accept it, there is still distance left to go. Travelling this distance means refusing to sit when told to do so, insisting that ‘no’ means no, your body is yours to be treated with respect by others, never underestimate your worth, or allow others to treat you in a lesser way. None will pretend that doing any of this is easy, nor it will not be met with resistance by men and fellow women, but the determination to succeed against all odds must be the fuel that keeps the foot on the pedal.

Around the world today women would be engaging in different activities and pursuing different causes. And while in some societies they are still fighting for the right to vote, or to make their own healthcare choices, or inclusion in the political processes, including that of leadership, Guyanese women can say they have made some strides in these areas. But having made these strides wherever such denies equal participation with men, work remains to be done.

Our Constitution requires that at least one-third of women be on the List of Representatives. The truth is that while political parties have sought to honour this to satisfy the legal requirement of the List; it has not often been translated to representation in the National Assembly, Cabinet, and elsewhere. In societies such Canada, under the Prime Ministerial-ship of Justin Trudeau, in his 30-member Cabinet, women comprise fifty percent; though 15 years ahead of the goal, Guyana is still capable of catching up.

Sexual harassment and other forms of violence, be it in the workplace, home or on the streets, is a social disease that women confront daily in their lives, irrespective of class, race, creed or society. In this regard Guyanese women can join hands with those around the world to eliminate this scourge through education and legislation. Men who take advantage of women are not strong, and women must be given the necessary support, institutional and otherwise, not only to say no, but also to see those who violate them held to account.

In the workplace the issue of equal pay for equal work and equal opportunity for advancement still plague this gender. Women must be free to pursue any educational or economic activity, free of being told that it’s a man’s field or denied opportunities because it is felt to be. Women’s issues crosscut many issues and impact the goal of equality in the society. Having a seat at the decision-making table, women who are generally seen in society’s as nurturer, will help to shape policies, programmes and laws to the benefit of the family and by extension the society. Where poor governance, corruption, poverty, hunger, illiteracy, crime, child labour and other social ills exist, they impact the family. The task often to address these challenges and make ends meet is largely left up to women.

In the environment, their role remains essential and it must not only be seen to do minimal task or engaging in subsistent activities, but in the conceptualisation and execution of a sustainable development plan. The protection of the environment and the sustainable regeneration of the planet need their input in every sphere of activity. In every facet of life women need to be heard and must demand that they be heard and be respected.

If you do not speak others will speak for you and there is no other who can speak to your reality better than you. Be Bold For Change. Go out and make it happen. Thirteen years to achieve the goal may sound relatively short but history has shown there is nothing women cannot achieve when they put their minds to it.