International Women’s Day 2024: From Inspiring Inclusion to the Power of Giving

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By: Charles Barksdale, M.A.B.E. | Doctoral Student, Biblical Exposition

Introduction

International Women’s Day is a global celebration that honors the achievements of women and raises awareness about the challenges they face. As we reflect on the powerful 2024 theme, "Inspire Inclusion," and move into the 2024 campaign, "Give To Gain," we are reminded that progress is a continuous journey. In a world striving for equality, these themes serve as a mandate for embracing diversity, breaking systemic barriers, and empowering women from all walks of life. Today, we draw inspiration from the pioneers who paved the way and commit ourselves to a future where inclusion is not just a goal, but a lived reality.

Embracing Diversity and Intersectionality

True inclusion means recognizing that a woman’s journey is shaped by her unique identity—including race, age, ability, and socioeconomic status. As Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel laureate, once said, "We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back." Inspiring inclusion requires us to break down the specific barriers that prevent women, particularly those from marginalized communities, from reaching their full potential. It is about creating spaces where diverse perspectives are not just "present," but are valued as essential to innovation and success.

Breaking Barriers: The Data of 2024

Throughout history, women have shattered glass ceilings and challenged the status quo. However, the work remains urgent. As civil rights activist Rosa Parks famously stated, "I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free, so other people would also be free." To understand why we must "Give To Gain," we must look at the current global landscape in 2024:

  • The Global Parity Gap: According to the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, only 68.8% of the global gender gap has been closed. At the current pace, it will take over 120 years to reach full parity.

  • The Leadership Collapse: While women increasingly enter the boardroom, the "executive collapse" remains. Only about 24% of executive board members globally are women.

  • The Unpaid Labor Burden: Women continue to perform nearly three times as much unpaid care and domestic work as men. Globally, women do 16 billion hours of unpaid care work every day—work that is critical to the economy but often invisible in GDP statistics.

Empowerment as a Spiritual and Social Mandate

Empowerment is about recognizing the inherent strength of women who have overcome adversity and encouraging others to embrace their own power. As Oprah Winfrey once said, "Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness." This resilience is the engine of progress. Empowerment is a collective responsibility to support and uplift one another, ensuring that every woman has the resources, visibility, and mentorship to thrive.

Inspiring Change through the "Give To Gain" Mindset

The 2026 theme, "Give To Gain," emphasizes the power of reciprocity. When we give our time, knowledge, and resources to advance women, the entire society gains. Progress is not a subtraction; it is an intentional multiplication. As Emma Watson stated, "If not me, who? If not now, when?" International Women’s Day is a catalyst for the conversations that ignite movements and empower individuals to build a more inclusive society.

Moving from Inspiration to Action: Your 2024 Checklist

To truly honor the spirit of this day, we must commit to practical steps that extend beyond a single calendar date. Use this checklist to measure your impact:

  • Practice "Reverse Mentorship": If you are in a senior position, seek a younger woman to mentor you on emerging trends and digital culture. Reciprocal learning breaks down silos.

  • Implement "Human Library" Sessions: Host storytelling sessions in your community or workplace where women from different backgrounds share their unique "chapters" of resilience.

  • Audit Your Economic Footprint: Commit to ensuring that a portion of your personal or business spend goes specifically to women-owned businesses.

  • Address the "Care Gap": Support policies and cultural shifts that encourage a more equal distribution of unpaid care work in your home and community.

  • Sponsor, Don't Just Mentor: Mentorship is advice; sponsorship is advocacy. Mention a woman’s name in rooms where opportunities are being discussed and she is not present.

Conclusion

International Women’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a call to stand as advocates for gender equality. As we look toward the future, let us remember the iconic words of Rosie the Riveter: "We can do it!" Together, let us ensure that the dreams and aspirations of every woman are realized. When we give our support, we gain a stronger, more equitable world for everyone.

"Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them." — Unknown

#IWD2024 #GiveToGain #InspireInclusion #GenderEquality #CharlesBarksdale #SocialJustice


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