Each for Equal: A Collective Individualism

I am wondering if it is late to say Happy International Women’s Day to our

wonderful women at Simba Group in particular and of course all the great women
all over the world working hard to make the world a better place.
What is world without the women? I am still thinking again. Some will think
“Joseph, too like woman” as they always say but I will be glad if I can get your
attention here. So, shall we?
It is disheartening that in spite of our achievements, exploit, discovery and call it
what you want, no country has achieved gender equality. That is not to say of
course there no reason to smile at the little child-steps we are making to achieve
gender equality.
So, what is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a United Nations-sanctioned global holiday. It
celebrates women’s contributions to society, raises awareness about the fight for
gender parity, and inspires support for organizations that help women globally.
International Women’s Day takes place on March 8 every year to celebrate
women’s rights and inspire people to act in the ongoing fight for gender equality.
This year, March 8 fell on a Sunday and beloved Simba Group celebrated it.
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change
and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have
played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
The International Women’s Day 2020 theme

The International Women's Day theme for 2020 is Each for Equal which reminds
everyone that it’s on each of us to help create a gender equal world. Last year, the
International Women’s Day 2019 theme was Balance for Better, focusing on the
importance of achieving a gender-balanced world. In 2018, the theme of
International Women’s Day was Press for Progress, the 2017 Women’s Day theme
was Be Bold for Change, and the 2016 theme was Pledge for Parity.

UN women also issued a 2020 theme: “I am Generation Equality: Realizing

Women’s Rights.” UN Women has a new multigenerational campaign for pursuing
equality called Generation Equality.
According to the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap report,
gender parity won’t happen for more than 200 years, so the global International
Women’s Day campaign has its sights set on lowering that number by focusing on
calls-to-action year-round.

Why International Women’s Day?

An equal world is an enabled world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own
thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can actively choose to challenge
stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate
women's achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal
world.
Equality is not a women's issue, it's a business issue. Gender equality is essential
for economies and communities to thrive.  A gender equal world can be healthier,
wealthier and more harmonious - so what's not great about that? The race is on for
the gender equal boardroom, a gender equal government, gender equal media
coverage, gender equal workplaces, gender equal sports coverage, more gender
equality in health and wealth ... so let's make it happen.

The IWD 2020 campaign theme is drawn from a notion of 'Collective

Individualism. ‘We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations,
behaviors and mindsets can have an impact on our larger society. Collectively, we
can make change happen. Collectively, we can each help to create a gender equal
world. Yes, we can! Blessed.

Yours,

Joseph Akpan