International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, honours the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide. This day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The theme for 2024 is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress.’ In recognition of this important occasion, Brainfeed will be highlighting diverse perspectives and insights from women leaders in education.
In this context, we are pleased to present an article below by Mani Srivastava, Principal, New Horizon Scholars School, Hiranadani Estate, Thane, Maharashtra.
I raise my hand and choose to challenge “Right to Happiness”. Every woman of the world should be the agency and architect of their own happiness. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We leaders can break the bias in our communities, workplaces, schools, colleges and universities. Together, we can all break the bias – on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond. Moreover, International Women’s Day serves as a call to action. It’s a reminder that gender equality is not just a women’s issue – it’s a human rights issue that requires collective effort to address.
As a Leader, I have a unique opportunity to be part of this movement for change. Whether it’s by promoting awareness, providing resources, or facilitating discussions, I’m committed to using my platform to support gender equality in all its forms. We can all truly embrace equity. It’s not just something we say or we write about. It’s something we need to think about – know, value and embrace. It’s what we believe in, unconditionally.
Equity means creating an inclusive world. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA. Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity. As I sit down to reflect on International Women’s Day, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. It’s a day that holds immense significance for me, not just as a women leader, but as an entity designed to interact with and understand the world around me.
First and foremost, International Women’s Day is a celebration of the strength, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide. It’s a day to honour the trailblazers who fought tirelessly for gender equality, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations. Their courage and determination inspire me, reminding me of the power of human spirit in the face of adversity. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and reflect on Inspire Inclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where all women are empowered, valued, and included. By working together to break down barriers and foster diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society for generation inspire inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.
One of the key pillars to inclusion is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles. By championing inclusion, organizations and communities can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to better decision-making and innovation. Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. Through initiatives such as mentorship programmes, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, individuals and organizations can create opportunities for women to thrive. International Women’s Day holds a special significance for me as an educational leader. It’s a day of celebration, reflection, and action – a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. As I continue to learn and grow, I’m committed to using my Education and leadership to support gender equality and contribute to a more inclusive future for all.
