On the verge of praising the idea of an International Men’s Day, it’s not for the reasons one might assume. The criticism stems from the perception of International Women’s Day as patronizing and superficial. In a world where gender inequality persists, the tokenistic gestures of celebrating women fall short of addressing the real issues at hand.

Despite the ongoing struggles faced by women globally, the approach to International Women’s Day often falls into the realm of performative gestures rather than meaningful action. The reality remains stark, with only a small percentage of women in top corporate positions, a widening gender pay gap, and systemic challenges affecting women’s professional and personal lives.

The thematic approach to International Women’s Day further highlights the disconnect between symbolic celebrations and tangible progress. From past themes urging symbolic gestures like arm crossing to show solidarity or forming heart shapes with fingers, the current theme of “Give to Gain” is seen as another shallow attempt at addressing deep-rooted issues.

The imagery associated with International Women’s Day often portrays smiling individuals engaging in acts of generosity, but the underlying message seems to lack substance. The call for women to “give” in various ways raises questions about the sincerity and impact of such appeals.

Rather than token gestures, the focus should shift towards concrete actions to address gender disparities. Prioritizing gender equity in career advancement, addressing the gender pay gap, and advocating for enhanced maternity and paternity benefits are crucial steps towards meaningful change.

Instead of superficial displays of celebration, a shift towards substantive support and advocacy for women’s rights is essential. By emphasizing tangible efforts to address gender inequality, International Women’s Day can evolve into a platform for real change rather than symbolic gestures.