Each year, on the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD), we observe and celebrate with pride and joy the achievements of the women and girls who shape the world. Yet we also acknowledge with earnestness and regret that much remains to be done.
Our realities are still fraught with challenges, and our conclusion remains that our efforts for gender equality are not obsolete. We must still unite and commit ourselves to ensure that women’s rights and freedoms, wherever they may be, are respected.
“Wherever they may be” is not only a matter of physical spaces but also virtual ones. In the digital age, women and girls have a multitude of possibilities, chances, and opportunities right at their fingertips. Unfortunately, they are also one click away from experiencing the same violence and oppression they face in real life. Amidst exclusion, gender violence and inequality, it is our duty to ensure that technological innovations do not come at the expense of our rights. We cannot allow the virtual world to replicate the codes of patriarchal society in those spaces that we not only enthusiastically embrace, but also contribute to with passion and brilliance.
The challenges and opportunities that technology poses for our struggles have not only made its way into the theme of the day, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, but also into the priority theme for the current 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Therefore, as President of WILPF, I take this day to reaffirm our tribute to the women and girls who engage in technological innovation. Your courage, intelligence, and creativity are shaping and changing the world for the better.
I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank those who have challenged the status quo and have made their way in the world of innovation despite the setbacks and gender biases that exclude women and girls. You represent only less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields, and yet your impact defies all statistics. You make us so proud as your work has changed the way we see the world, and your stories deserve to be told.
Permit me to recognise the voluntary work of all activists who give their time and skills to build a fair, useful and accessible virtual world for all. Many of them work in very challenging contexts, and we are proud to honour and commend their great efforts.
Rest assured of WILPF’s unconditional support, and know that our space is always open to you. Join us in our efforts to build a more peaceful and safer world, our movement will only be better with you in it.
Because of our identities, and the experiences that result from them, there are few celebrations that are not accompanied by their share of critical observations and recommendations for a better and safer world, on and off-line. Today, we reiterate the importance of a technological innovation that respects the feminist and pacifist principles that we defend. Real innovation cannot be achieved at the expense of our communities. In fact, there will be no real technological progress without social progress, and that is why we are here. It is therefore essential to give women, and all marginalised groups, the opportunity to participate in technological expansion—with autonomy and power.
Extending our efforts into offline spaces is key to community organisation and effective resolution of the challenges we face. Violence is a continuum that extends into cyber spaces, and its severity is not diminished by the environment in which it takes place. Moreover, we must remember that regardless of the venue, the root causes of the violence and oppression imposed on us are the same. Let us not neglect the importance of our online presence and the complete and radical dismantling of the patriarchal remnants that parasitise technology and innovation. Gender equality and non-violence are crucial components of a virtual world that has meaning and purpose.
We cannot trample on our rights and freedoms for the comfort of others, nor do we want to see the establishment of online spaces that mirror those offline. All is to be created, all is to be built and rebuilt, and we have the power to create a model of fairness and justice for all.
Together, at WILPF and beyond, let’s make sure that women and girls never fear the web like they fear the streets. Together, let’s recognise our power and impact. Together, let’s build a future of feminist peace—wherever we may be.
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If you are curious about WILPF’s work online, here are some resources you might like:
