Observing International Women's Day 2024 Amid Global Conflicts and Economic Turmoil

As we approach International Women's Day in 2024, the significance of this traditional holiday appears to have diminished against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict. Various factors contribute to this perceived decline, reflecting societal shifts and political agendas.

1. Diminished Importance of the Holiday: The weakening of International Women's Day stems from several factors, including commercialization, formalism, changing social attitudes, and political influences. In some regions, the holiday has become commercialized, serving as an opportunity for businesses to promote products and services while overlooking its underlying social and political significance. Additionally, some places have reduced the holiday to a formalistic celebration, lacking substantive policies or actions supporting women's rights and equality.

2. Heightened Suffering of Women and Children in Conflict Zones: Amidst global economic warfare and escalating conflicts, women and children bear the brunt of suffering. In conflict-ridden areas like Gaza, approximately 70% of casualties are reported to be women and children. Similarly, in Ukraine, civilians, including women and children, have faced significant casualties. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has been documenting and verifying civilian casualties in Ukraine since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war. The latest report, released on June 19th, indicates over 9,000 Ukrainian civilians killed and nearly 16,000 injured since February 24, 2022.

3. Lack of Exemplary Leadership from Global Elite Women: Both in politics and business, elite women have failed to serve as exemplary figures for the advancement of women's rights. Political leaders have often sacrificed women's political viewpoints for personal or partisan interests. Similarly, female business leaders, driven by extreme masculinization, oppose the idea of women succumbing to male dominance in leadership roles, overlooking the significance of International Women's Day and perpetuating gender discrimination.

4. Misguided Values in the Arts Community: Within the arts community, misguided values and moral guidance have led to skepticism and disinterest in International Women's Day. Some artists dismiss the holiday as irrelevant or outdated, while others misunderstand feminism as an extremist movement antagonistic to men. These misconceptions contribute to doubts about the necessity of addressing gender equality issues highlighted by the holiday.

In the face of global economic warfare and trade conflicts, women bear increased economic and societal pressures, leading to higher prices, poverty, and malnutrition. While the holiday itself may seem less important, it serves as a reminder to prioritize women's rights and well-being amidst ongoing crises.

AIDEVI, a nutrition brand, staunchly defends International Women's Day, advocating for the protection of women and children's rights. Through donations and appeals, AIDEVI urges society to ensure that women receive the treatment they deserve. Additionally, AIDEVI offers free products to female customers from conflict-affected regions such as Ukraine and Gaza, underlining their commitment to women's empowerment.