International Women’s Day as we know it began in 1972 as a United Nations celebration. In March, women around the world celebrate by making commitments to build a better future. This year’s theme is “Inspire Inclusion which emphasizes the importance of fostering a world where women are not only physically present but are actively valued and empowered across all spheres of life.
The Power of Representation
The Global Media Mentoring Project conducted the largest study of portrayal, participation and representation of women in media. They found that within the past 20 years within 114 countries that only 24% of the persons heard, read about or seen in the newspaper, television and radio news are women. The lack of media impact and representation shapes societal perceptions of women. Having significantly less representation paints a world without a female presence.
Representation in the Economic Sphere
Economically, the lack of inclusion and representation is vast. Currently, over 2.4 billion working-aged women are not afforded equal economic opportunities. The World Bank published a report explaining some of the factors that keep women from participating in the economy.
Barriers preventing the women’s participation in the economy include: legal, financial and cultural barriers.
Legal barriers
Legal discrimination continues to discourage women’s involvement in the economy. Some discriminatory laws omit women completely. In 7 countries, women are legally unable to work in specific fields. Other laws are subtler and enforce stipulations in how women work. In 16 countries, married women aren’t able to get a job without their husband’s permission. Additionally, in 44 countries women are legally unable to work at night. Without the equal opportunity to get involved in the economy, whole communities suffer.
In South Asia, women have only two-thirds of the legal rights of men in the region.
Financial barriers
Globally, women are not given the same financial rights as men. Women are more likely to experience issues with a lack of collateral and credit history. An estimated 1 billion women worldwide do not have their own bank account. Without equal financial rights, women aren’t as able to get involved in the economy.
Cultural barriers
Cultural barriers also discourage a women’s involvement in the economy. Traditional gender roles enforce a woman’s primary responsibility is to be at home. Strict gender roles can encourage families to give girls less education than boys. Powerful prejudices assuming that women cannot handle money, don’t pay back loans and spend money on themselves remain. Additionally, threats of gender-based violence further restrict movement outside of the home. Without pathways around these barriers, women will struggle to participate in the economy.
Awareness to Action
In a world steeped with inadequate representation, it is important to know in every instance when women are involved in the economy, it grows. Cultural prejudices that have restricted women’s involvement in the economy are false. According to the World Bank, women are more likely to pay back loans, save the money they earn and contribute it back into the community. Women are crucial to global prosperity and there is a clear call to invest in them with tools, knowledge and financial opportunities. Without paths around economic barriers, the global economy will continue to lack.
Kairos Global Foundation and the Future
In the past year, Kairos Global Foundation has helped many women by offering sustainable solutions out of poverty. We offer resources designed to educate, equip and nurture women towards success. With the help of our donors and partners on the ground, in 2023 Kairos Global Foundation offered:
· 2,632 women microloans
· 5,694 women attended groups providing skills training, mentorship,
and financial education
· 75 young women attended community college
· 5 widows received new homes
· 22 women received skills training
· 190 girls received holistic care through evening study centers and schools
Educate Her
Quality education directly improves the quality of life and lifetime earnings. One year of secondary education for a girl correlates up to 25% more in wages. We give resources to women of various ages so that they can obtain skills, business opportunities and higher education. Some of these resources include: small business planning, micro-loans and scholarships.
Equip Her
Resources and skills are necessary for financial literacy. We give women practical skills so that they can flourish in their communities. Some of these resources include: leadership development, financial literacy classes and healthcare awareness.
Nourish Her
Physical needs are necessary for any individual to flourish. We meet the physical needs of women, so they can care for her families, develop and impact their community. Some of the resources we offer are: medical care, pre/post natal care and low cost homes for widows and single mothers.
This year, Kairos Global Foundation looks forward to support many other women. Please join us in the movement to empower more girls and women in the global south. Sign up to receive our monthly updates about the work happening on the ground. https://mailchi.mp/88976998e343/kgfupdates
Get HERJournal, Women’s Global Voices. This online publication comes out twice a year and shares stories of women’s personal journeys of poverty and injustice but also their triumphal paths as change agents. Our next issue will come out April 3rd. If you aren’t currently on our mailing list, sign up at https://mailchi.mp/fc25d294d511/getherjournal