Zakia Rashid’s Post

Today we celebrate WOMEN. The mothers, daughters, children of the planet who, despite playing a fundamental role in global society, are continually, misrepresented, underrepresented, overlooked and abused. Women and girls around the world continue to face disproportionate burdens, gender biases and systemic discrimination, which hinder their autonomy, impede their access to justice and obstruct their fundamental human rights. Globally, we’re still centuries away from gender equality. Investing in women is both an economic imperative and, it is a human rights issue because the global economic and financial systems are complicit in perpetuating gender inequality. This must change. Investing in women is a cornerstone for building inclusive societies. Progress for women benefits us all. #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #CSW68 #investinwomen United Nations UN Women UK UN Women

#IWD2024 ✊ On International Women's Day, we celebrate the achievements of women around the world. While progress has been made, as women leaders, we know all too well that, as stated by the UN, "no country has achieved gender equality." Gender equality inside and outside the home remains far out of reach for too many, whether it is living in active conflict; experiencing, surviving, or living under the threat of gender based violence’ or long-standing economic disparities, women and girls continue to face profound barriers to equity. 👭🏽 As a woman and minority owned small business, i-APS is pleased to provide job opportunities and capacity building for women professionals worldwide. We are also pleased to announce that we have recently been awarded a new Long-Term Agreement for Services (LTAS) with the UN to combat Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE). This builds upon our 12 years of experience in utilizing data and insights to inform and adapt gender-sensitive programming. 🚺 💜 Today and every day, we work toward a future for women, girls, and all persons that is free of violence. ✊ #IWD2024 #iAPS #TogetherForChange #GBVprevention #UD #iAPSEmpowers #EndViolenceForAll

"Be the person who will mention another woman's name in a room full of opportunities." This is what my sister says to me all the time. Serene Yeo Reflecting on the Cbus #IWD lunch on Tuesday, the energy and enthusiasm for driving positive change were truly heartening. We were encouraged to make a personal pledge on how will we #CountHerIn #InvestInWomen #AccelerateProgress. My pledge? Naturally it is - In a world full of opportunities, let's ensure that women are not just included but valued and empowered to contribute their full potential. Investing in women is not just about financial support; it's also about recognising their talents, amplifying their voices, and providing them with the opportunities they need to thrive. Whether it's through mentorship, sponsorship, or simply acknowledging their accomplishments, every action we take can help accelerate progress towards gender equality. As we continue to work towards a more equitable and inclusive society, let's be that person who will mention another woman's name in a room full of opportunities. #InternationalWomensDay #InvestInWomen #AccelerateProgress #GenderEquality #Inclusion #Empowerment #CountHerIn #womensupportingwomen

University of the West of Scotland in London hosted a significant event aimed at empowering #women. As a panel member, I had the privilege of inspiring both young women and men to unite, seek allies and explore how to break down barriers, enact policies for equality, and create environments where all thrive. In a world striving for #progress and equality, it's crucial to understand the distinction between women's empowerment and equality. The journey towards female #empowerment faces formidable barriers, with systemic gender inequality deeply rooted in our societies. Yet, by identifying and dismantling these barriers, we can pave the way for meaningful change. However, achieving women's empowerment requires more than just organisational efforts—it demands comprehensive societal and institutional changes. From #challenging stereotypes to enacting and enforcing laws that protect women's rights, every step forward brings us closer to a more equitable world. Let's continue the conversation, advocate for change, and work together to unlock the full #potential of women everywhere. Together, we can build a future where empowerment knows no bounds. #TogetherWeCan #WomenEmpowerment #Equality #DiversityandInclusion #ChangeAgents 🚀💼 Thank you to all leaders, panel members and attendees Sara Hajikazemi (PhD, SFHEA) Michele Cano Smith Umoren, BSc, MSc(Hons), CIWFM

Still in the wake of #InternationalWomensDay2024, the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority proudly champions inclusion and empowerment! 🌟 As we celebrate the achievements of women worldwide, TARDA reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where women are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. At TARDA, we believe that investing in women is not only the right thing to do but also essential for accelerating progress towards gender equality and sustainable development. By addressing poverty, strengthening institutions and adopting a gender perspective in our initiatives, we strive to create opportunities that enable women and girls to reach their full potential. "We're leaving no-one behind" as our Director Resource Planning and Development Irene Ndavi says. We must all reaffirm our commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive, lead and succeed as we work towards a brighter and more gender-equal future for all! #InspireInclusion #IWD2024 #CountHerIn #EmpowerWomen #GenderEquality #TARDAChampionsInclusion #TARDAt50

Today I joined our #CSW68 delegate briefing from the UN Women UK and great to see some familiar names Greet Jans Sunita Harley (she/her) Collective Insight amongst the 1,500 committed delegates. What I heard that struck a chord: 🌟 We can't do it alone. 🌟Look at things from all perspectives to ensure everybody who is marginalised by society is brought in when we push for (both the small and the big) change. 🌟Invest in women, accelerate progress as when women thrive, all of humanity is thriving. ✨The purpose of CSW: 1. promote women's rights worldwide 2.create a space for women to tell their stories 3.creates a blueprint to shape global laws & policies on a specific topic each year. 🌟✨This years the key theme is: "to accelerate the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective". aka economic empowerment. 🌍 Will post more as I experience different sessions. #diversityequityinclusion #womenempoweringwomen UN Women UK

It is International Women's Day, and inequality is a major issue. So, the UN report about what financial resources are available is an alarming read. "One of the major obstacles to attaining gender equality by 2030 is the alarming lack of financial resources, which results in an astonishing annual deficit of USD 360 billion for gender equality initiatives. This deficit poses a significant challenge that needs to be addressed urgently. Take a stand and participate in the conversation using the hashtag #InvestInWomen. It can make a difference in the following key areas to ensure that women are not left behind: 1.    Investing in women: Recognizing it as a matter of human rights. 2.    Ending poverty: Striving towards eradicating poverty for women. 3.    Implementing gender-responsive financing: Incorporating a gender perspective into financial planning. 4.    Shifting to a green economy and care society: Promoting environmentally friendly practices and supporting caregiving. 5.    Supporting feminist change-makers: Backing individuals who drive positive feminist changes. Let's work together to create a world where gender equality exists for all." Eleanor Coleman, you are a great advocate for women and finances. What do you think is the most important issue?

Today, we celebrate International Women's Day by advocating for investment in women. For #IWD2024, let’s focus on: 🌍 Ending Poverty. The aftermath of COVID-19 and global crises have pushed 75 million more into severe poverty, with women and girls at the forefront. 💼 Gender-Responsive Financing. Rising conflicts and costs are forcing 75% of countries to cut public spending by 2025, adversely affecting women. 💚 Green Economy & Caring Society. Shift towards economic models that prioritize environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment. 🤝 Support Feminist Change-Makers. With only 0.13% of development assistance, feminist organizations need more support to fight poverty and inequality. Together, we can forge a path to gender equality. Learn more about how you can take action for gender equality through the United Nations Global Compact Forward Faster Initiative: https://lnkd.in/g6779ahG Time to #InvestInWomen #10yearsinthemaking #InternationalWomensDay #RingtheBellforGenderEquality #GenderEquality UN Women

Happy #International #Women's #Day #2024! This year's focus? 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress' One of the biggest obstacles to human rights is gender equality. Investing in women is essential to creating an inclusive society. "The COVID pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, climate disasters, and economic turmoil have pushed an extra 75 million people into severe poverty, since 2020. This could lead to more than 342 million women and girls living below the poverty line by 2030, making immediate action crucial.  " Support women around you. In the community, at work, at home and beyond. Support feminist organisations. Recognise this movement not just today but every day. #investinwomen