This Women’s History Month, we raise our voices to applaud the Women of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion who lead with passion, courage, and conviction. They are the architects of change, breaking barriers, and forging pathways towards a more inclusive society.
Progress over Perfection
The ERA, or Equal Rights Amendment, is a proposed addition to the U.S. Constitution aiming to guarantee equal legal rights regardless of sex. It states: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex.” Although passed by Congress in 1972, it fell short of ratification by the required number of states. Efforts to revive and ratify it continue, aiming to ensure gender equality is constitutionally protected.
The equivalent of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) at the United Nations is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). CEDAW is an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, and it serves as an international bill of rights for women. It aims to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including political, economic, social, cultural, and civil spheres. CEDAW requires signatory states to take measures to ensure women’s equality and to report on their progress toward gender equality periodically.
To learn more about the ERA Click Here
The United States
As of 2022, there were ongoing discussions and actions related to various aspects of women’s rights in the United States, including Equal Pay, Reproductive Rights, Representation, Gender-Based Violence, Work-Life Balance, and the Me Too Movement.
Efforts continued to address the gender pay gap, with discussions about pay transparency, pay equity, and workplace policies that impact women’s earnings.
Advocacy for increased representation of women in leadership roles, both in the public and private sectors, gained attention. Discussions around gender diversity in corporate boardrooms and political offices continued.
Conversations about parental leave policies and work-life balance increased. There were ongoing discussions on the need for more comprehensive and equitable family leave policies.
The United Kingdom
General areas of focus for the progress of Women’s Rights in The United Kingdom include Workplace Equality, Reproductive rights, Violence against women, and Political Representation.
Similar to the United States, issues related to the gender pay gap, workplace equality, and representation of women in leadership roles were topics of discussion. Efforts were being made to address disparities in pay and promote gender diversity.
Addressing violence against women, including domestic violence and sexual assault, remained a priority. Initiatives focused on support for survivors, legal reforms, and awareness campaigns were part of the broader efforts.
The UK, like many countries, continued to work towards increasing the representation of women in politics. This included efforts to close the gender gap in parliamentary and local government positions.
China
The status of women’s rights in China has seen various changes and developments. Aspects of progress and challenges in women’s rights in China include Economic Empowerment, Education, Healthcare, Legal Reforms, and Social Awareness.
Over the years, China has made progress in promoting women’s economic empowerment. Women’s participation in the workforce has increased, and there have been efforts to bridge gender gaps in employment opportunities and pay.
China has made significant strides in promoting education for women. The gender gap in education has narrowed, with more women accessing higher education and pursuing professional careers.
There has been a growing awareness of gender issues in Chinese society, driven in part by increased activism and social media discussions. Topics such as gender equality, domestic violence, and women’s rights have gained more attention.
Taiwan
Taiwan has made notable progress in women’s rights, and several developments have shaped the landscape.
Women in Taiwan have a relatively high level of workforce participation, and there have been efforts to address gender gaps in employment and wages. Policies to support work-life balance and family-friendly workplaces have been introduced.
Taiwan has a strong commitment to education, and women’s access to education is generally high. Women have been actively involved in higher education, pursuing diverse fields of study and professional careers.
There is a growing awareness of gender equality issues in Taiwan. Civil society organizations and advocacy groups play a role in promoting discussions and awareness surrounding women’s rights.
Gender equality is a dynamic and ongoing process, and developments may continue to shape the status of women’s rights in Taiwan.
RECOGNIZING WOMEN IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
Throughout the years, women have made history through their impact in a variety of areas such as sports, science, literature, leadership, and more! The following are just a few women who are renowned in history for being pioneers and going against their time period’s status quo.
Malala Yousafzai, Activist for Female Educations
Malala, a Pakistani activist for female education, became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate in 2014 at the age of 17. Her advocacy work focuses on promoting education for girls and women, particularly in regions where they face barriers.
Sheryl Sandberg, COO, Facebook
As the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and the author of “Lean In,” Sheryl Sandberg has been a prominent figure in advocating for gender equality and women’s leadership in the workplace. She is known for her work in addressing the challenges women face in pursuing leadership roles.
Ellen Pao, DEI Advocate
An advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, Ellen Pao has held various roles, including as the CEO of Reddit. She has been vocal about issues such as gender discrimination and harassment, contributing to discussions on workplace equality.
Tarana Burke, Civil Rights Activist
Tarana Burke is a civil rights activist and the founder of the #MeToo movement. Her work has been instrumental in raising awareness about sexual harassment and assault, emphasizing the importance of supporting survivors and promoting a culture of empathy and accountability.
Audrey Tang, Taiwan's Digital Minister
In the realm of technology and government, Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s Digital Minister, has been a pioneer. Tang, who identifies as non-binary, has worked on various initiatives to promote open government and digital innovation while emphasizing inclusivity.
Rosalind Brewer, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance
As the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Rosalind Brewer is known for her leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion. She has been recognized for her efforts to create more inclusive corporate cultures and increase the representation of women and minorities in leadership roles.