Less Willingness and More Concern to Celebrate 'International Women's Day'

From mandatory hijab in Iran to the loss of all women's rights in Afghanistan, and the fight against impunity for sexual violence in the Ukraine war, to the daily struggle against gender-based violence in Hungary and the fight against femicide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it seems that the struggle of women for a dignified and equal life has never been more necessary. We asked women in countries covered by Radio Free Europe what 'International Women's Day' means to them. We do not understand the significance of March 8. Women still have to fight for their rights. A reminder of the power and sacrifice of all women. A call to continue. This day is my favorite occasion. A symbol of how patriarchy strives to dominate women. Raising awareness about the importance of women's rights and equality. A day to express appreciation and respect for women who strive to create a better world. Being a woman in this country is a crime. We do not have the same conditions as women around the world and do not connect with them. A reminder of how vulnerable women's rights are. The beginning of a women's revolution that is still ongoing. Before the Taliban returned to power in 2021, women in Afghanistan dedicated March 8 to discussing their problems and achievements, and men would buy flowers for their wives or mothers. 'This no longer happens,' says Baktash, a florist in Kabul. 'Unfortunately, the market is not good after the events, and the economic situation is weak.' Now, there is no public discussion about women's problems or achievements. A woman living in Kandahar says, 'We know through radio and television that this day is International Women's Day. The situation for women in Afghanistan is not good, so they have no opportunity to celebrate March 8.' Now, women in Afghanistan live with severe restrictions and without basic freedoms or the right to education. A woman from Kandahar says, 'If the Taliban remain in power, it is hard to believe that the situation for women will improve.' Afghanistan is the only country in the world that has deprived girls of secondary and higher education, while women in this country face countless other obstacles. On International Women's Day, we all have a duty to think about the greatest women's rights crisis in the world, which is the situation of women in Afghanistan. Heather Barr, deputy director of women's rights at Human Rights Watch (HRW), says, 'Afghan women feel that the world has forgotten them, and this feeling is entirely justified. But we can find hope and inspiration in their struggles, as they have extraordinary courage, and it is clear that they will not stop fighting until their rights are fully recognized.' 'In this land, being a woman is a crime.' This is said by a woman from Iran who prefers to remain anonymous. The Iranian government has intensified its efforts to impose mandatory hijab, and harassment of women who do not wear hijab in public continues. Cases of femicide are also on the rise, and Iran has no law to combat domestic violence to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. 'International Women's Day is a pleasant day for me, but I do not feel its universality. Because our conditions are not the same as those of women in the rest of the world, and we have no connection with them. It feels as if we are a part separated from a cohesive whole.' Data on women in war-torn areas is even more shocking. According to United Nations data, in just one decade, the number of women living within 50 kilometers of armed conflict has reached 612 million, showing a 50% increase. Among them are women from Ukraine. The war that has continued in this country since 2014 has had an indelible impact on many. One of these individuals is Lyudmyla Hrytsenko. Lyudmyla, originally from Donetsk, was detained by Russian security forces in 2019 and accused of pro-Ukrainian activities. During her detention, she faced various forms of abuse. 'This no longer happens,' Baktash, a florist in Kabul, says. 'Unfortunately, the market is not good after the events, and the economic situation is weak.' Now, there is no public discussion about women's problems or achievements. A woman living in Kandahar says, 'We know through radio and television that this day is International Women's Day. The situation for women in Afghanistan is not good, so they have no opportunity to celebrate March 8.' Now, women in Afghanistan live with severe restrictions and without basic freedoms or the right to education. A woman from Kandahar says, 'If the Taliban remain in power, it is hard to believe that the situation for women will improve.' Afghanistan is the only country in the world that has deprived girls of secondary and higher education, while women in this country face countless other obstacles. On International Women's Day, we all have a duty to think about the greatest women's rights crisis in the world, which is the situation of women in Afghanistan. Heather Barr, deputy director of women's rights at Human Rights Watch (HRW), says, 'Afghan women feel that the world has forgotten them, and this feeling is entirely justified. But we can find hope and inspiration in their struggles, as they have extraordinary courage, and it is clear that they will not stop fighting until their rights are fully recognized.' 'In this land, being a woman is a crime.' This is said by a woman from Iran who prefers to remain anonymous. The Iranian government has intensified its efforts to impose mandatory hijab, and harassment of women who do not wear hijab in public continues. Cases of femicide are also on the rise, and Iran has no law to combat domestic violence to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. 'International Women's Day is a pleasant day for me, but I do not feel its universality. Because our conditions are not the same as those of women in the rest of the world, and we have no connection with them. It feels as if we are a part separated from a cohesive whole.' Data on women in war-torn areas is even more shocking. According to United Nations data, in just one decade, the number of women living within 50 kilometers of armed conflict has reached 612 million, showing a 50% increase. Among them are women from Ukraine. The war that has continued in this country since 2014 has had an indelible impact on many. One of these individuals is Lyudmyla Hrytsenko. Lyudmyla, originally from Donetsk, was detained by Russian security forces in 2019 and accused of pro-Ukrainian activities. During her detention, she faced various forms of abuse. Lyudmyla Hrytsenko: We must give hope to women that a woman, regardless of her current situation, is not alone. Lyudmyla says, 'All those involved in war, all women who have endured torture and abuse, have lost the feeling of even a moment of happiness. I have seen this with my own eyes over the past two years. I want all women to regain their sense of happiness. Even if just for a moment, at least for a few minutes.' What does it feel like when someone betrays you just for opposing the war? Lia Prudovskaya from Russia knows this well. When the war in Ukraine began, Lia started posting anti-war messages on social media. A complaint was filed against her, and she was threatened that her adopted child would be taken away from her, and ultimately, Lia decided to leave Russia. Today, she lives in France and says that March 8 has always been a symbol of a fresh start for her. She says, 'I have lived my entire life in the far north, winter has always been very long for me. Spring is always a sign of new things, and March 8 tells me: winter is over, and only good things, joy, and happiness are ahead.' Her wish for all women is freedom, respect from their leaders, colleagues, and families. What does it feel like when someone betrays you just for opposing the war? Lia Prudovskaya from Russia knows this well. When the war in Ukraine began, Lia started posting anti-war messages on social media. A complaint was filed against her, and she was threatened that her adopted child would be taken away from her, and ultimately, Lia decided to leave Russia. Today, she lives in France and says that March 8 has always been a symbol of a fresh start for her. She says, 'I have lived my entire life in the far north, winter has always been very long for me. Spring is always a sign of new things, and March 8 tells me: winter is over, and only good things, joy, and happiness are ahead.' Her wish for all women is freedom, respect from their leaders, colleagues, and families. Lydia: Never tolerate anything, leave bad jobs, and remove toxic people from your surroundings. Do not be afraid to change your life and start anew; you will definitely succeed. Juliana has also left Russia. Today, she lives in Spain and says that after migrating, her perspective on March 8 has changed. For her, this day is a reminder of the fragility of women's rights. She says, 'The essence of this day is to support women and equal rights that they fought for in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of them even had to pay with their lives for it.' Nasta Bazar, a human rights activist and mother of two daughters, left Belarus for Poland, where she supports women who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. She emphasizes that 'gender inequality and discrimination still exist, and women still have to fight for their rights, and this is exactly why International Women's Day remains important.' She says, 'This is a day to celebrate ourselves, our achievements, the positive outcomes we have achieved, and the power of women's solidarity.' She says, 'The essence of this day is to support women and equal rights that they fought for in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of them even had to pay with their lives for it.' Nasta Bazar, a human rights activist and mother of two daughters, left Belarus for Poland, where she supports women who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. She emphasizes that 'gender inequality and discrimination still exist, and women still have to fight for their rights, and this is exactly why International Women's Day remains important.' She says, 'This is a day to celebrate ourselves, our achievements, the positive outcomes we have achieved, and the power of women's solidarity.' Nasta Bazar: We must start prioritizing ourselves. She explains that women have long been trained to prioritize the needs of others. But now it is time to take care of themselves. Violence and stigma. This is especially true for the widespread cases of gender-based violence. According to estimates by the United Nations, one in three women worldwide has experienced violence, and one woman is killed every ten minutes. The situation is not much better even in countries with legal systems and support frameworks. The image of Bernadette Oroz is now etched in the memory of the people of Hungary. In 2019, she was beaten by her ex-husband, and her photo was shared on social media. Today, she fights against domestic violence and says that March 8 is a day for respect, recognition, and support for all women. This is especially true for the widespread cases of gender-based violence. According to estimates by the United Nations, one in three women worldwide has experienced violence, and one woman is killed every ten minutes. The situation is not much better even in countries with legal systems and support frameworks. The image of Bernadette Oroz is now etched in the memory of the people of Hungary. In 2019, she was beaten by her ex-husband, and her photo was shared on social media. Today, she fights against domestic violence and says that March 8 is a day for respect, recognition, and support for all women. Bernadette Oroz: I wish them courage and confidence to face life's challenges and find support that helps them grow and progress. Bernadette says, 'It is important to promote women's equality on this day and on other days of the year and to fight against discrimination and violence.' She emphasizes that all women should feel valued, not just today but every day. Bernadette adds, 'I want all women to receive the respect they deserve and for everyone to find happiness and balance in their lives.' Betmakhan Zhulbuldueva, a blogger from Kyrgyzstan, will celebrate this day with her two daughters. She says, 'On this day, I wish the best for myself and all women. I hope that no woman will ever be abused or harmed.'