By
Hon. Rahman Owokoniran
The International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to honour the achievements of women worldwide, promote gender equality and ensure women’s welfare. It is a day when we commemorate the progress that women have made throughout history and acknowledge the challenges they still face. 
 This year’s theme for the International Women’s Day, Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of all Women and Girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective, encourages everyone to challenge gender bias, discrimination, and inequality that still exist in our society. It is a call to action to create a world where women can achieve their full potential and live a life with equal opportunities. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who have made significant contributions to society. Women have paved the way in many fields, including science, politics, business, arts, academia and many more. They have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes to achieve greatness. 
However, despite the progress made, women still face many challenges today. Globally, women are more likely to be subjected to violence, are paid less than men for doing similar jobs and are underrepresented in leadership positions. Women are under-represented in technology, science, engineering and industries. Women’s health also remains a concern, as they face many unique health challenges and risks. This year, beyond the usual rhetoric, let us commit to doing all we can to help women achieve their full potential and promote gender equality. We have mouthed the right slogans for too long. Now it is time to roll up our sleeves and put words into action by frontally challenging gender bias and stereotypes, support women’s education and learning, advocate equal pay, and promote equality of opportunities. 
On this International Women’s Day, we thank and celebrate women for all they do and all they have achieved, and we commit to working together to achieve gender equality and a world where women can live a life without fear, prejudice, or inequality. Together, we can create a better world – a world where every woman has the same opportunity to succeed and thrive. HON. RAHMAN OWOKONIRAN IS PDP SOUTH-WEST ZONAL SECRETARY AND WRITES FROM LAGOS
