The Network would like to wish women everywhere a happy International Women’s Day (IWD).

After one century of celebrating the IWD, the United Nation IWD theme this year – Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For All – invites us to pause, take an audit of our state of gender equality and return to the original spirit of the IWD.

As we celebrate the achievements of women around the world, not least women in Asia who have even broken the traditional glass ceilings to become heads of States in their respective countries, we are also aware of the fact that the majority of women, especially here in Asia, are still entrapped in a patriarchal framework of the society. Jobs are still categorized in traditional roles which are based on gender. Gender biases are still prevalent not least helped by the masculine regime of the Government.

Even as we ponder the accomplishments and deficiencies of the struggle for gender equality, we are reminded that we have a hundred years, and even more, of efforts behind us – we are standing on a firm foundation. Therefore, building on the legacies of those who had gone before us, we must realized that there is only one way forward, that is, moving ahead to complete the task to make equality a reality in the world.

There is no social equality without gender equality.

“Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For All.”

Solidarity With All!

Steven Sim
Executive Secretary
Network of Social Democracy In Asia