Every March 8, International Women's Day sparks debates that seem to never end. Between those who celebrate progress toward equality and those who question the need to dedicate a day to women, this inevitable question arises: Why a “Women's Day”?
For me, the answer is clear: this day is not about division, but about reflection, raising awareness, and celebrating the progress that has been made. As long as inequalities, wage gaps, gender-based violence, and underrepresentation in leadership positions continue to exist, this date reminds us of how far we have come and how much still needs to be transformed.
Celebrating Women's Day is not a demand for privileges, because the equality we seek consists of being treated with the same dignity and respect, having access to the same opportunities, recognizing our differences and what they contribute to complement each other.
To those who argue that this celebration is unnecessary because there is no “Men's Day,” I would say that the real challenge would be not to need a day to recognize and celebrate our rights, because equality should be celebrated every day, without exception.
Gender equality is not an end in itself, but a means to build a more just and humane society. It means accepting that differences should not be barriers but bridges, and that women's progress adds up. Because when women advance, we all advance.
Continuing to celebrate ourselves is not only an act of justice, but also one of determination.
A future where our daughters and sons have equal opportunities.
A future where equality is not demanded, but lived.
And until that day comes, we will continue to raise our voices every March 8.
Equality does not erase what makes us unique; on the contrary, it allows us to be without asking permission.
