I don’t usually celebrate Women’s Day as a happy, special day for women the way we celebrate Mother’s Day. Why? Because we are not there yet.

We are still fighting for our rights.
Still fighting for men to stop deciding what is “best” for us.
Still fighting for equality in our workplaces.
Still fighting to stop blaming women when they are sexually assaulted or abused.

Right now, women in detention centers in the United States are being denied basic human and reproductive rights. Some are miscarrying. Some are being denied medical care. Some are being separated from their children. This is happening today. 

So yes, we can recognize how far we have come after generations of fighting. But we must also acknowledge how far we still have to go.

People sometimes ask: why do we have a Women’s Day but not a Men’s Day? The answer is simple. Because men have historically held the power. They have been the ones making decisions and shaping the systems. They never needed a special day to be recognized. 

Being a mother and a full-time employee is hard. But in today’s economy, who can survive on just one income? Women want to grow in their careers, but that often comes with impossible choices—spending less time with their children, relying on others to help raise them, and hearing constant criticism about being an “absent” parent. 

So many women silence their ambitions to avoid the guilt. They allow their husbands to take the jobs that require traveling, leadership, and visibility—the jobs seen as the “important” ones. Because too often, women are made to feel that they must choose: family or leadership. 

And the numbers reflect this reality. Women make up nearly half of the global workforce, yet only about a third hold high-level leadership position. In C-level roles, women represent only about 29%. And for every 100 men promoted, only 79 women are promoted. 

In the past decade, the United States could have had two women presidents. Twice, women stepped forward, and twice we believed change was possible. But deeply ingrained gender stereotypes and double standards prevailed. 

What is even more painful is seeing women placed in powerful positions but used as pawns—supporting systems that continue to harm women and undermine the progress generations have fought for. Women against women. 

But I still have hope. 

We are the generation that is no longer staying quiet. We are demanding DEI, respect, and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights, and we are asking for men’s accountability. We are raising a generation that asks questions, speaks up against oppression and inequality, and demands accountability from those in power. 

I have hope for my 8-year-old daughter. I want her to grow up feeling safe walking down the street. I want her to make her own decisions about her own body and reproductive rights. I want her to dream about any career she chooses, and pursue it without prejudice.  

The fight for equality does not happen only on March 8th. It happens every day. 

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Viviana Murillo Steinberg is a dedicated member of VIP since September 2018, working in the fiscal department where she provides accounting support to programs across the organization. In her role, she takes pride in being reliable, detail-oriented, and always willing to help with both routine tasks and unexpected challenges. She strongly believes in the organization’s mission and feels honored to contribute to work that makes a positive impact in the community. She is committed to supporting her colleagues whenever they need it. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys connecting with coworkers—whether discussing books or offering a listening ear.

Image Credit: Lonely Figure, 1930. Tarsila do Amaral (Brazil, 1986-1973)