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International Women’s Day

On March 8th of 2020, we celebrate International Women’s Day, this holiday honors working women around the world and celebrates their globally marked achievements. Both abroad and on the homefront, women have soared in the national news and created phenomenons around their successes. This concept is familiar to women’s family lawyers in Arlington, TX. In the past few years, women have taken center stage as they break glass ceilings around the world, create new levels of achievement, and inspire other women to follow in their steps. International Women’s Day is reminiscent of great achievement but also serves as a reminder of the hopeful future that girls and women can have if we combat gender discrimination and bias. 

While International Women’s Day honors the working women of the past, present, and future, it is undeniable that women are underrepresented in leading arenas around the world. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women makeup almost half of the workforce at 47% but are underrepresented in STEM occupations and still earn 20% less than their male counterparts. 

These numbers mar any signs of progress that might claim or point to the appealing statistics of women and the economy.  While we should move forward in pursuing outcomes that only serve to benefit women in the places where their presence is slim to none, we must confront and discuss why issues still exist. 

It is no secret that high pay gaps still exist around the world, the issue has always been how to fix it. These disparities grow in numbers in countries where there is little presence of women in government or elected positions. While many countries have a plethora of differences, one similarity seems to be the pay gap between men and women. So, how do we fix this? This question not only challenges the makeup of the government but also the values and beliefs of countries. Part of correcting the pay gap is creating a presence where more women can assign themselves to perform “men’s work.” Regardless of nation, everyone can play a role that allows the youth to believe they can work in a field that will not deny them because of their sex. 

Another obstacle to confronting the issues that arise from gender discrimination is violence against women. Now more than ever, women go to extreme lengths to protect their physical and mental well being from the destruction that is domestic violence, harassment, or outright abuse. Suffering in silence, many women in the workforce elect an oath of silence in response to situations that include bullying, harassment, and discrimination. With national women movements challenging this status quo, the obstacles and barriers women are facing will continue to be broken down one by one. 

Let us celebrate the achievements of women and rejoice in the powerfulness but continue to pave a way forward. Whether it be a career in law or an occupation that requires a hard hat and work boots, encourage a woman to aspire to be something great regardless of her sex. Consider donating to women’s organizations or completing work that will enhance communities that support underrepresented girls. 

Happy International Women’s Day, now let’s get to work.

Thanks to Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC for their insight into family law and international women’s day.