Women�s progress � celebrations and commiserations

March 8th 2011 marked the centenary of International Women?s Day. In the hundred years since women?s rights and gender equality have been an important social and political issue, women have enjoyed significant achievements. Amongst other important milestones, women have gained the right to vote, the right to work, legislation addressing discrimination and control over their reproductive system through contraception.

The leader of Australia is currently female, as is the Premier of three Australian states. So there is much to celebrate when it comes to women?s progress and closing the gender gap. But it?s not all good news. There is much to be done in terms of pay discrepancies between male and female workers, as well as a disproportionate amount of women in senior and CEO positions.

Outside of our national boundary, it is also important to recognise that not all women all over the world enjoy the same rights and freedoms, and female oppression and violence against women are still realities in many countries around the world.

Violence against women, for example, is a feature of every society. In South Africa, a woman is raped every 9 seconds (2010). And every year, 60 million girls are sexually assaulted at or on their way to school (2008). These statistics are alarming and prove that there is still a long way to go when it comes to securing women?s rights and equality.

In third world countries, the situation is even more dire ? girls and women are the poorest of the poor. Girls and women are less likely to have access to education, health, shelter, housing and food simply because they are female.

So how do we combat this problem? Education and awareness play a big part in creating change and securing rights for women in third world countries.

One of the best ways to do this is to empower girls from a young age, and encourage them to stand up for their rights. Child sponsorship programs give children a leg up and supply them with the tools and basic necessities for a brighter future. Young girls who are fostered and cared for in this way will be less likely to let the perpetuation of female poverty and violence against women continue. Child sponsorship is also an effective strategy because there is no favouritism between girls and boys, creating an even playing field within communities from an early age.

If you?re interested in working towards ending gender inequality and discrimination against women in the developing world, then consider child sponsorship. Charity and other aid organisations offer sponsor a child programs that make a significant influence in the lives of girls who need it most.

In the wake of the centenary of International Women?s Day, it?s time to step-up the global awareness and fight against female discrimination.

What can you do to help the cause?

Aid organisations such as www.actionaid.org.au are committed to helping women claim and secure their rights.

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