Comprising roughly half the population of the world, women hold half of its potential. Despite ongoing challenges, some of which include unequal access to education, health- care and opportunities, the lack of research on women’s health, the gender pay gap and gender-based violence, women have made, and continue to make, outstanding contributions to society, while still remaining the backbone of families and communities.

On Women’s Day, we recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions made by women across all walks of life.

Did you know?
For over 100 years, the academic world was under the impression that a Viking warrior’s grave discovered in the 19th century – complete with high-quality weaponry, two horses, an imported uniform, a war gaming set and evidence of a life well-travelled – was that of a man. But recent DNA testing by Dr Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson and her team of archaeologists at Sweden’s Uppsala University revealed that the bones belong to a woman.

Mothers of inventions
As early as the 19th century, Ada Loveless is credited with developing the world’s first computer algorithm. Her pioneering work in mathematics and computing laid the foundation for modern computer programming, revolutionising technology and opening endless possibili- ties for future innovation.

Letitia Geer invented the medical syringe, which brought about transformation in health- care, providing a safe and efficient means of administering medication.

Women are also responsible for the invention of (among others):

  • The pertussis vaccine (Leila Alice Denmark)
  • The science fiction genre of writing (Mary Shelley)
  • Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOiP) (Marian Croak)
  • The windshield wiper (Mary Anderson)
  • GIF animation (Lisa Gelobter)
  • The folding cabinet bed (Sarah E Goode)
  • Electron microscopy (Pratibha Gai)
  • CRISPR gene editing (Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Anne Doudna)
  • The electric refrigerator (Florence Parpart)

Women in the field of care
Data from Oxfam indicates that women and girls worldwide dedicate approximately 12.5 billion hours every day to unpaid care work. In today’s monetary terms, that’s the equivalent of at least 10.8 trillion US dollars in the global economy. Experts also put this amount at around three times the value of the world’s technology industry.

Pushing boundaries
From political activism to social justice, women have spearheaded numerous movements that have brought about lasting change, among them the right to vote, and access to education and employment.

Women have also pushed the boundaries in science and research. Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, not only made groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity, but also pioneered the use of mobile X-ray units during World War I. And Rosalind Frank- lin’s work on the structure of DNA was instrumental in the understanding of genetics.

Thriving societies
The empowerment of women, and the eradication of violence and discrimination against women are crucial for fostering a fair and inclusive society. Research suggests that societies where women are empowered will benefit from their unique perspectives, innovative ideas and diverse skill sets, and enjoy better health outcomes, improved economic growth and the alleviation of poverty.

Studies also consistently demonstrate that increased gender diversity in leadership positions leads to better decision- making, enhanced creativity and improved organisational performance.

Bottom line
On Women’s Day, let’s remember that, when women are able to thrive, societies experience profound growth. By tapping into a vast untapped potential, we can propel ourselves forward towards a more just and prosperous future.

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