![\"IntWomensDay\"](\"http:\/\/www.une-sen.org\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/IntWomensDay.png\")
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By Hayley Millington<\/p>\n
Canada\u2019s theme for the 2016 International Women\u2019s Day (IWD) is Women\u2019s Empowerment Leads to Equality<\/strong>. On a global scale, the United Nations (UN) calls for \u201cPlanet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality\u201d<\/strong>. You may question the validity of this or wonder if the goal itself is too lofty. Despite one\u2019s feelings of apprehension, I can say that the goal is an achievable one and unequivocally state that gender equality is a goal worth accomplishing.<\/p>\n Empowerment on its own merit is an essential component to achieving equality amongst the sexes. Empowerment also allows the female of our species to better attain goals that they set for themselves as well as enable them to take the helm of their individual lives whilst becoming positive contributors to their societies at large. Women and girls embracing empowerment means that better choices can be made that will allow their needs and those of their families to be met.<\/p>\n The Status of Women in Canada states that Empowerment includes: \u201cHaving access to education, getting involved in the community, becoming financially independent, understanding your right to live free from violence, knowing how governments works and exercising your domestic rights\u201d. Canada has been touted as a world leader when it comes to the empowerment of women and gender equality plays a significant role in many of its development programs. In many parts of the world, women and their governments are still playing \u201ccatch up\u201d and the idea of gender equality is still only a concept.<\/p>\n The UN calls for an accelerated 2030 agenda whereby we are able to implement a new set of sustainable goals. As well, they are focusing on \u2026\u201dnew commitments under the UN Step It Up<\/em> initiative, and other existing commitments on gender equality, women\u2019s empowerment and women\u2019s human rights\u201d.<\/p>\n It is beneficial to humanity to have their female populous empowered and able, through equality and gender parity, the chance and tools to reach their full potential allowing for an enriched society for all.<\/p>\n E<\/strong>mpowered Woman, Unfettered by life\u2019s once cumbersome details<\/p>\n Mindful <\/strong>of self and surroundings, desires and needs now relevant, never again curtailed<\/p>\n P<\/strong>rimed and full of confidence, she soars past her inconsolable self and rises<\/p>\n O<\/strong>wning the experiences that create the memories of her life, once Tethered<\/p>\n W<\/strong>arrior spirits abound, never waning and in full fight regalia<\/p>\n E<\/strong>ager to take flight<\/p>\n R<\/strong>evealing the strengths of her character, no longer held in abeyance<\/p>\n M<\/strong>uch to their chagrin<\/p>\n E<\/strong>mancipated and able, ready to ascend to a new understanding of oneself<\/p>\n N<\/strong>otwithstanding the powers of governments and societies<\/p>\n T<\/strong>antamount to the oppressive beliefs now outlawed and waylaid by what she understands of herself and her place for she alone commands the niche now carved and indelible, never again invisible and on display for all to see.<\/p>\n Hayley Millington is the UNE\u2019s National Equity Representative for Women.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Hayley Millington Canada\u2019s theme for the 2016 International Women\u2019s Day (IWD) is Women\u2019s Empowerment Leads to Equality. On a global scale, the United Nations (UN) calls for \u201cPlanet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality\u201d. You may question the validity of this or wonder if the goal itself is too lofty. Despite … <\/p>\n