International women’s day: not anti-men

„This year marks the 30th anniversary of that landmark conference and its reaffirmation that women’s rights are human rights.“, says UN Secretary-General at the International Women's Day event in the US. Around the world people gathered this weekend to celebrate women or to demonstrate against gender inequalities. At its core, International Women’s Day is about ensuring that women’s rights are not taken for granted. It is a day to reflect on the long journey toward gender equality, recognizing the progress made, and acknowledging the barriers still in place that hinder women from achieving the same opportunities and rights as their male counterparts. This day is not only symbolic of the struggles women face but also a celebration of their resilience and strength throughout history. Far from being anti-men, International Women's Day is rooted in the principle of equality for all people, regardless of gender.

Not Anti-Men, But for Equality

Some critics of International Women’s Day claim that it is "anti-men" or divisive. They argue that focusing on women's rights somehow undermines men or ignores their struggles. This misunderstanding reflects a misconception about the true goal of the day. The celebration of women’s rights and the call for equality should not be viewed as an attack on men or masculinity. In fact, true gender equality benefits everyone, regardless of gender.

For instance, gender equality means men can also break free from societal expectations of “manliness” that can often be toxic. Men are less likely to be stigmatized for expressing vulnerability or seeking help for mental health challenges. A world of equality allows everyone to be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or discrimination. When women win, we all win.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Gender Equality

While International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on past struggles, it is also a time to look forward. The ongoing push for gender equality should never be static, and the work of advocating for women's rights is far from over. Every year, International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is possible, but it requires ongoing effort, unity, and determination.

This is about the reality we build as a community.