The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Annalyn S. Jusay
For decades, women around the globe have fought tirelessly for equal rights and representation. International Women’s Month, celebrated each March, honors the trailblazers of the past while championing the heroines of today.
There is so much to celebrate when we look at how far women have come. At the same time, we must reflect on how much work is left to be done to achieve true gender equality. While women have shattered glass ceilings in government, business, and beyond, there are still too many places where women face discrimination, lack of opportunity, and even threats of violence.
By coming together each March, women and their allies worldwide show the power of solidarity. When we support each other, speak up against injustice, and share stories of empowerment, it fuels further progress. International Women’s Month is a chance not only to honor history but shape a more equal future. What will you do to be part of the movement? Here are the Top 10 ways we suggest to support women from all walks of life:
1. Thank the women who inspire you
Do you have a female teacher, mentor or family member you admire? Send them a card or email letting them know the impact they’ve had on your life. Your words of gratitude will mean the world.
2. Learn about the pioneers
Dive into the inspiring stories of pioneers. Outstanding Filipinas like Maria Orosa and Trinidad Tecson risked their lives, or even died, for the country. These trailblazers overcame immense obstacles and adversity to achieve amazing firsts and advance the status of women. Their perseverance and bravery in the face of discrimination can motivate us to pursue our own dreams and make a difference.
3. Appreciate Modern Role Models
There are also many modern women role models to appreciate, like Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, who champions education for girls around the world. There are many contemporary role models who are changing the world right now through their leadership, activism, and advocacy. Honor them by supporting the causes and organizations they care about.
4. Follow in Their Footsteps
The highest honor we can pay to these trailblazers and role models is to follow in their footsteps. Whether it’s fighting against injustice, working to counter climate change, or mentoring other women, , take inspiration from exemplary women. Collective courage and action can have a ripple effect, positively impacting the lives of generations to come.
5. Donate Your Time or Money
One of the best ways to honor the amazing women in history is by donating your time or money to organizations that support women and girls. Check with local women’s shelters, crisis centers, or mentoring programs to see how you can volunteer your time.
6. Buy from Women-Owned
Businesses
Use your purchasing power to support women in business. Buy goods or services from women-owned companies, especially those in industries where women are underrepresented .Every peso spent at a woman-owned business helps to empower women entrepreneurs.
7. Volunteer at a women’s shelter or outreach center
Use your time and skills to support organizations that directly help women in need. Assist with childcare, tutoring, job coaching or daily tasks. Make personal connections and learn from the courageous women you meet.
8. Mentor or sponsor women in your industry
Take a proactive role in helping women advance in your field. Mentor a woman just starting out and share your experiences and advice. Sponsor a woman in a leadership role by advocating for her and helping open doors. Watching another woman rise up the ranks with your support is so rewarding.
9. Spread Awareness
on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness. Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to spread information about important women’s issues and causes during Women’s History Month. Share posts highlighting women’s achievements, statistics on issues like the gender pay gap or lack of women in leadership roles, and calls-to-action for people to contact government representatives or sign petitions. Tag friends and family and encourage them to spread the message too. Together, we can all work to create positive change.
10. Reflect on your own biases and behaviors
Promoting gender equality starts from within. Examine your own implicit biases and actions that may be holding women back, even unintentionally. Make a commitment to change unfair practices and call out insensitive remarks. Have compassionate conversations with other men about these issues. Achieving equality is a team effort, and you have the power to influence real change.
Celebrating women means taking action. This month, choose one concrete step you can take to empower the women in your life and community. Through small acts of courage and compassion, we build a better future for all!