International Women’s Day on 8 March is a global call to advance gender equality. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the power of collaboration, generosity, and shared responsibility in expanding opportunities for women. It encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to contribute time, resources, and knowledge to build a more equitable future.
While progress has been made, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched in many societies, including South Africa. From unequal pay and limited economic opportunities to gender-based violence and systemic barriers, women continue to face challenges that require more than awareness campaigns. They require decisive action.
Susan Abro, of Susan Abro Attorney, says meaningful change begins with how society educates its children. “We need to instil from a very young age in both boys and girls that they are equal. That is where we fall short. Too often, we speak to women about equality and violence, but we do not address the attitudes and behaviours of men, who often control income, employment opportunities, and economic power.”
Equality must be enforced
Abro stresses that gender equality cannot remain an abstract ideal. It must be reflected in workplaces, policies, and everyday practices. “If you do the same job, you should receive the same pay. The assumption that the man is the breadwinner is outdated and harmful. In many South African households, women are the primary earners. Equal work opportunities and equal pay for equal work must be recognised as a basic human right.”
She adds that corporates and governments play a critical role in ensuring fairness. Voluntary commitments are not enough without accountability.
“It is time to stop paying lip service. There must be real consequences for maintaining unequal practices. Stronger laws, enforcement, and economic penalties for discrimination are necessary if we are serious about equality.”
Collaboration with accountability
The “Give to Gain” theme highlights the importance of cooperation. However, Abro emphasises that collaboration must be paired with accountability and action.
“Yes, we must bring everyone to the table. But collaboration without consequences will not change entrenched systems. We need enforcement, protection for victims, and a justice system that takes women’s voices seriously and acts on them.”
Her concerns extend to the handling of gender-based violence and domestic abuse cases, where survivors often remain trapped in cycles of economic and emotional dependence. “Women cannot leave abusive situations without adequate financial support and protection, and because abuse occurs across all levels of society, survivors need practical assistance to rebuild their lives. Otherwise, the cycle simply continues.”
The broader impact of gender equality
Gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also an economic and social necessity. Equal participation in the workforce boosts productivity, reduces poverty, and strengthens communities. Inclusive workplaces are more innovative, and closing the gender pay gap can significantly improve economic growth.
This International Women’s Day, the message is clear. Achieving gender equality requires collective effort, early education, firm enforcement, and a commitment to fairness in every sphere of life.
The fight for gender equality is not just a women’s issue. It is a societal imperative. “Gender equality will not be achieved through awareness alone. It requires deliberate action, accountability, and the courage to challenge systems that exclude. Each of us must do more than acknowledge the problem. We must commit to changing it,” concludes Abro.