A woman is an adult female human and prior to adulthood, a female human is referred to as a girl (a female child or adolescent). The term “women” is used in specific contexts like “women’s rights” to encompass female individuals irrespective of age. Across the globe, women predominantly fulfill the primary caregiving responsibilities for both children and the elderly. It is evident that women juggle multiple roles within the family, serving as a wife, partner, organizer, administrator, director, recreator, disburser, economist, mother, disciplinarian, teacher, health officer, artist, and queen simultaneously. Beyond the familial sphere, women also play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of society. Global studies reveal that as societies undergo changes in their economy and political structure, women often spearhead efforts to help families adapt to new realities and challenges. Women are emblematic of strength, love, sacrifice, and courage.Women embody the essence of strength, love, sacrifice, and courage.As of January 1, 2024, the estimated global population is 8,019,876,189, reflecting an increase of 75,162,541 (0.95%) from the previous New Year’s Day in 2023. It is projected that, on average, there will be 4.3 births and 2.0 deaths every second worldwide throughout January 2024.As of 2022, the global female population was 49.7%, showing a gradual decline from 49.9% in 1973. China held the position of having the largest female population globally, with 691 million individuals, making up 17.55% of the world’s female population. The top five nations, which include China, India, the United States of America, Indonesia, and Pakistan, make up 45.67% of the global female population. March 8th is designated as International Women’s Day annually, dedicated to celebrating women’s rights and accomplishments across various sectors, encompassing politics, economics, social aspects, and culture. Despite persistent challenges, women in science have a historical presence, making significant contributions since the earliest days of scientific exploration. Scholars specializing in gender and science have delved into the historical, critical, and sociological aspects of women’s scientific pursuits, examining the hurdles they faced and the strategies employed to have their work acknowledged in major scientific journals. This field of study has evolved into an independent academic discipline. Women’s involvement in medicine dates back to early civilizations, and in ancient Greece, women had access to the study of natural philosophy. Women also played a role in the proto-science of alchemy during the first or second centuries AD. In the Middle Ages, religious convents served as crucial centers of education for women, providing opportunities for scholarly research and contributions. In the 11th century, the first universities emerged, but women were largely excluded from university education during that time. Outside of academia, botany in the early modern era saw significant contributions from women. Laura Bassi, an Italian scientist in the 18th century, became the first known woman to hold a university chair in a scientific field. Notable women scientists serve as inspiration for young women pursuing careers in science:
(a) Ana Roqué de Duprey, born in Puerto Rico in 1853, established a school at the age of 13 and authored a geography textbook adopted by the Department of Education of Puerto Rico. Passionate about astronomy and education, she founded girls-only schools and the College of Mayagüez, later becoming the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. Her comprehensive study, the Botany of the Antilles, was instrumental in the fight for Puerto Rican women’s voting rights.
(b) Lillian Gilbreth, an American psychologist and industrial engineer at the turn of the 20th century, achieved numerous firsts, including the first female commencement speaker at the University of California and the first female engineering professor at Purdue. She was also the first woman elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
(c) Ruth Rogan Benerito, an American chemist and pioneer in bioproducts, saved the post-WWII cotton industry through her discovery of a process that produced wrinkle-free, stain-free, and flame-resistant cotton fabrics.
(d) Edith Clarke, a groundbreaking electrical engineer at the turn of the 20th century, worked as a “computer” before the invention of modern computers and calculators. Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2015, she paved the way for women in STEM and engineering.
(e) Mollie Orshansky, a food economist and statistician, pioneered the definition of poverty thresholds, offering a way to assess the impact of new policies on poor populations. Her work remains a standard measure in American public policy.
(f) Mary Engle Pennington, an American chemist in the early 20th century, made significant contributions to the field. Credited as the catalyst for the modern environmental movement, Rachel Carson, a marine biologist and environmentalist, authored the groundbreaking book “Silent Spring.”
“The digital age presents an unprecedented opportunity for global empowerment, offering avenues for gender-responsive digital learning and tech-enabled sexual and reproductive healthcare. On International Women’s Day we urge governments, activists, and the private sector to intensify their efforts in making the digital world safer, more inclusive, and equitable. Amidst various global crises, there exists an opportunity to forge a brighter future not only for women and girls but for the entire humanity and life on Earth.”
Ada Lovelace, regarded as the founder of scientific computing and the inaugural computer programmer, made significant contributions. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, transformed history with her groundbreaking achievement. The ENIAC Programmers, integral to a secret World War II project, consisted of six young women who programmed the first all-electronic programmable computer. Rosalind Franklin, a British chemist and crystallographer, is best known for her pivotal research elucidating the structure of DNA. Farkhonda Hassan, Professor of Geology at the American University in Cairo, served as the chairperson of the Commission on Human Development and Local Administration of the Shoura Assembly. Recent events include Xiomara Castro becoming Honduras’ first female president in January 2022 and Colombia decriminalizing abortions within the initial 24 weeks of pregnancy in February 2022. In the U.S., there have been restrictions on abortion rights in certain states, with Texas banning procedures as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Acknowledging women as more vulnerable to climate change impacts due to their majority representation among the world’s poor and dependence on threatened natural resources, the narrative emphasizes their role as effective leaders and change-makers in climate adaptation and mitigation. Involvement in global sustainability initiatives underscores the necessity of empowering women and girls to have a voice and equal participation in decision-making related to climate change and sustainability. Emphasizing the critical link between gender equality and sustainable development, this International Women’s Day advocates for claiming “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” Recognizing the importance of international days and weeks in raising awareness, mobilizing political support, and celebrating humanity’s achievements, the narrative underscores the ongoing efforts needed for a more inclusive and equitable future. The tradition of international days predates the formation of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as influential platforms for advocacy. One such day is International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, providing an occasion to assess progress, advocate for change, and honor the courage and determination exhibited by ordinary women who have played extraordinary roles in their countries and communities. Founded in 1910 by Clara Zetkin, International Women’s Day originated from the labor movement and evolved into an annually recognized event by the United Nations. The roots of this celebration trace back to 1908 when 15,000 women marched in New York, demanding improved working conditions, fair pay, and voting rights. The first National Woman’s Day was declared a year later by the Socialist Party of America and the concept of an international day was proposed by Clara Zetkin during an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910. The unanimous agreement of 100 women from 17 countries led to the first celebration in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Official recognition came in 1975 when the United Nations started observing the day. The first theme, adopted in 1996, was “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future.” International Women’s Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate women’s advancements in society, politics, and economics, with strikes and protests organized to raise awareness about persisting inequalities, highlighting its ongoing relevance in promoting gender equality. Clara Zetkin’s idea for International Women’s Day initially lacked a fixed date but gained formalization during a pivotal wartime strike in 1917. Russian women, demanding “bread and peace,” initiated the strike on March 8, leading to the abdication of the tsar and the provisional government granting women the right to vote. The significance of the color purple in IWD is rooted in its association with ‘justice and dignity,’ alongside green symbolizing hope and white representing purity, originating from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908. International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, is a national holiday in numerous countries, such as Russia, where flower sales double around this time. In China, women often receive a half-day off on March 8, advised by the State Council. Italy’s celebration, known as la Festa della Donna, involves the giving of mimosa blossoms, a tradition believed to have originated in Rome after World War Two. In the US, March is dedicated to Women’s History Month, with a presidential proclamation annually honoring the achievements of American women.From the early days of computing to the current era of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, women have made significant yet often overlooked contributions to the ever-expanding digital landscape. Their achievements have been attained against numerous challenges in a field that has traditionally shown resistance to their presence. However, a persistent gender gap in digital access continues to hinder women from fully harnessing the potential of technology. Simultaneously, the digital age presents an unprecedented opportunity for global empowerment, offering avenues for gender-responsive digital learning and tech-enabled sexual and reproductive healthcare. On International Women’s Day we urge governments, activists, and the private sector to intensify their efforts in making the digital world safer, more inclusive, and equitable. Amidst various global crises, there exists an opportunity to forge a brighter future not only for women and girls but for the entire humanity and life on Earth.
(The authors write regularly on Islamic topics exclusively for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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