This year, there are events taking place all over the world to celebrate the achievements of remarkable women but also to highlight the challenges which still face women and girls.
According to the Fawcett Society, in the UK:
- Women working full-time are paid on average 15.5% less an hour than men for doing work of equivalent value.
- The Annual Survey of Annual Earnings 2010, published by the Office of National Statistics, found that men's hourly earnings were £16.25, up 1.1% from £16.01 in 2009. Women's mean earnings increased by 2.2% to £13.73 compared to £13.44 in 2009.
- Women make up less than 20% of MPs. There are only two Black women MPs, and there has never been an Asian woman MP.
- 96% of executive directors of the UK's top 100 companies are men.
- Out of every 100 rape cases reported to the police, just seven end in the rapist being caught and punished. Rape conviction rates vary hugely across England and Wales, indicating a 'postcode lottery'.
- Dame Judi Dench and Daniel Craig's short film highlighting the differences between men and women's life experiences. Directed by Sam Taylor Wood on behalf of EQUALS.
- The EQUALS coalition which is a partnership made up of ActionAid, Amnesty International, Care International UK, The Fawcett Society, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children, The White Ribbon Alliance For Safe Motherhood, Women’s Aid and Women for Women International.
- The Great Initiative which is working to improve the prospects of women in Africa and hold governments and NGOs to account.
Whatever you're doing today, have a safe and happy International Women's Day!
No comments:
Post a Comment