March 8 is the day dedicated to the celebration of women. Among the courageous successes achieved by women and the numerous struggles that still need to be fought, March 8 is a day to celebrate, remember and reflect. 

Creative Voices

By Annalucia Scotto di Clemente/ Matthew Staff|| Edited by Greta Mastroianni

March 8 is a date woven of history and hope, a time to honor the pioneers who paved the way for greater gender equality and to recognize the unlimited potential of women today and tomorrow. March 8 is not just a celebration; it is a recognition of the giant steps taken towards gender equality and a call to action to address the challenges still present. It is a day to celebrate victories, reflect on progress and renew the commitment to a future in which every woman and every girl can live free from discrimination and violence. On this special day, we unite to celebrate the courage and determination of women around the world as we continue to work together to create a fairer, more inclusive, and less painful world for all. 

In the intricate fabric of modern history, March 8 is seen as a monument to the courageous struggles of women who challenged injustices and shaped the course of social progress. The roots of this day go back to the beating heart of the workers’ movement of the 20th century when factories were the stage of a titanic struggle for human rights and work dignity. It was in this fiery context that the spark of the women’s revolution emerged: 1908 saw the New York textile workers raise their voices in an epic strike, demanding better working conditions, reasonable hours, and decent wages. It was an act of courage that resonated in the heart of history, marking the beginning of an unprecedented struggle for women’s rights. 

But the flame of rebellion did not go out with the passing of the years; on the contrary, it turned into a fire that illumined the entire world. In 1917, the streets of Saint Petersburg were the scene of a bold march, where thousands of Russian women, thirsting for justice and freedom, came together to demand bread, peace, and civil rights. It was in these bustling squares of passion and hope that on March 8 he found his voice, becoming the symbol of a universal struggle for gender equality. 

From that moment, the idea of dedicating a day to women spread like a fire, crossing borders and cultures, and marking in the hearts of those who dream of a more just and compassionate world. March 8 thus became a beacon of hope for women around the world, a day to celebrate their extraordinary achievements, honor their struggles and renew the commitment to a more equitable and inclusive society for all. 

Although its roots are rooted in the trade union struggles of the past, its significance has transcended the boundaries of work and has risen to a universal symbol of progress and social justice. It has become a sacred moment to celebrate the triumphs of women in all areas of life, from university classrooms to corridors of political power, from scientific laboratories to concert halls. 

During this time, women waved the flags of freedom and equality, breaking down age-old barriers to access to education, work, and civil rights. They have climbed the heights of professional success, challenged prejudice, and demonstrated their value in historically man-dominated industries.  

However, despite these successes, wage inequality continues to cast a long shadow on the path to economic equality: according to recent data from the International Labour Organization (ILO). Women earn on average 20% less than men globally for the same work. At the same time, the under-representation of women in business leaders and political institutions remains a warning of the persistence of gender barriers. A report by the World Economic Forum in 2022 found that only 27% of global leadership positions are occupied by women, while women represent only 25% of parliamentarians in the world. 

According to UNESCO, despite progress in recent decades, there are still about 132 million girls who are not in education worldwide, representing more than 50% of children not in education. This underlines the persistent challenges in access to education for girls, which in turn affect future job opportunities and economic participation. 

A report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) found that around 137 women are killed by a family member or intimate partner every day around the world. This tragic fact highlights the urgent need to combat gender-based violence and to guarantee the safety and autonomy of women in their relationships. 

Violence against women represents a dark shadow that extends to every corner of the world, undermining the security and dignity of women in every stratum of society. Statistics reveal a chilling reality: according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women worldwide has experienced physical and/or sexual violence in her life, often in the hands of an intimate partner. This tragic phenomenon, which knows no geographical or cultural boundaries, is a clear violation of fundamental human rights and an urgent challenge for all of humanity. 

The roots of gender-based violence are deeply rooted in the fabric of society, fueled by harmful stereotypes, structural inequalities and a widespread lack of awareness and education. Rigid gender roles and the distorted idea of masculinity and femininity contribute to perpetuating a culture that justifies and normalizes violence against women. Moreover, the lack of access to economic resources, educational opportunities and social support creates vulnerable conditions that can be exploited to perpetuate the cycle of violence. 

The devastating consequences of violence against women affect every aspect of their lives, compromising physical and mental health, undermining confidence and self-esteem and limiting opportunities for full and meaningful participation in society. Physical wounds heal slowly, but emotional scars can last a lifetime, leaving an indelible mark on the psyche of the victims and their ability to lead a full and fulfilling life. 

However, despite the devastation caused by gender-based violence, women continue to emerge as agents of change and voices of hope. Through their courage and resilience, women are breaking the silence, challenging social norms, and promoting a culture of respect and equality. Their tireless commitment to promoting awareness and defending women’s rights is fundamental to combating gender-based violence and to creating a world in which every woman can live free from fear and oppression. 

On this special day, as we celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on the challenges still present, it is crucial to renew our collective commitment to ending gender-based violence in all its forms. Only through coordinated action and universal solidarity can we hope to end this scourge and build a future in which every woman can live with dignity, security, and freedom. 

As we celebrate women’s successes and honor victims of gender-based violence, we cling to the memory of what previous generations left us. It is our duty to continue along the path they have undertaken with the promise that March 8, eventually, will be just one day to celebrate the great triumphs of women.