On this International Women’s Day 2025, we reflect on the relentless struggles, achievements, and the enduring hope of women worldwide. This day is not just an occasion for celebration but a reminder of the long and ongoing battle for gender equality, which remains deeply tied to the broader fight for social and economic justice. As we honor the resilience of women throughout history, we must also confront the stark reality that women’s liberation is inseparable from the liberation of all oppressed peoples, and that only through the dismantling of oppressive structures can true equality be achieved.
The Struggle for Women’s Equality: A Global Perspective
Women’s rights cannot be understood in isolation. They are not merely a matter of individual empowerment but a central issue that intersects with the larger forces of class, race, and economic systems that perpetuate inequality. The struggle for gender equality is deeply rooted in the fight against systems that exploit and oppress — including capitalism, imperialism, and patriarchal structures — which limit women’s potential, restrict their freedom, and subject them to violence and marginalization.
Under capitalist systems, women bear the brunt of economic exploitation. Whether it is through underpaid labor in factories, care work at home, or the sexual division of labor in society, the capitalist structure has long relied on the subjugation of women’s labor. Women are systematically underpaid for their work, face barriers in accessing leadership roles, and are often confined to a limited set of societal roles defined by patriarchal norms. Their contributions, especially in the home and in the community, remain invisible, undervalued, and unpaid, allowing the capitalist system to thrive on their exploitation.
The Need for a Radical Transformation
True emancipation for women can only be achieved when the root causes of their oppression are eradicated. This means dismantling the structural inequalities built into the economic, political, and social systems that perpetuate patriarchy and inequality. Women’s liberation is not merely about legal reforms or superficial changes but about a radical transformation of society—a transformation that challenges the very foundations of power, wealth, and privilege.
To create a world where women are truly free, we must not only address immediate inequalities but also reshape the entire economic system. We must create a world where women are not just equal on paper, but where their lived experiences reflect true equity in every aspect of life—from access to healthcare and education to freedom from violence and exploitation.
Women’s Struggles and Achievements in Nepal
In Nepal, women have long been at the forefront of political, social, and economic change. Despite the deeply entrenched patriarchal traditions, women have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s history. Their involvement in the people’s movements, from the 1990 People’s Movement to the decade-long civil war, was indispensable in challenging the monarchy and the status quo. Women’s contributions were not limited to mere support roles; they were active combatants, leaders, and organizers who stood side by side with men in the struggle for a more just and equitable society.
The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), during the armed struggle, placed a particular emphasis on gender equality, not just as a political issue, but as an essential part of the revolutionary process. Women were given equal status in leadership roles within the armed forces, and their participation in political and military actions helped change the very dynamics of the conflict.
After the end of the civil war, Nepal’s political landscape saw the rise of women’s representation, especially in government institutions. The 2015 Constitution of Nepal, a product of years of struggle, enshrines gender equality in its provisions. It guarantees equal rights to women in matters of education, employment, property, and political participation. Additionally, there are now quotas in local governments and the parliament, ensuring women’s participation at the decision-making levels of governance.
However, despite these legal advancements, women in Nepal still face significant challenges. Patriarchal practices remain deeply entrenched, particularly in rural areas. Women continue to face high rates of domestic violence, child marriage, and gender-based discrimination. Economic inequalities persist, with women still overrepresented in informal, low-paying jobs and underrepresented in leadership positions across sectors.
While the progress made in Nepal is commendable, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure the full and equal participation of women in all aspects of life. The government and society must remain committed to addressing these inequalities and building a society where women can fully exercise their rights and freedoms.
The Global Struggle for Women’s Liberation
Across the world, the struggle for women’s liberation continues to unfold in many forms. From the streets of Latin America to the villages of Asia, women are rising against the systems of oppression that seek to control their bodies, restrict their freedom, and limit their opportunities. In Cuba, for example, the Revolution of 1959, led by Fidel Castro, included strong feminist ideals. Women actively participated in both the military and the economy, and the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) became a vital organization in promoting women’s rights. The FMC focused on gender equality in employment, addressing domestic violence, and expanding access to education and healthcare for women.
Similarly, the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917 had a profound impact on women’s rights. The revolutionaries understood that women’s liberation was essential to the success of the revolution. Under the leadership of figures like Lenin, the new government made strides in advancing women’s rights, including the legalization of abortion, the establishment of childcare centers, and the promotion of education and employment opportunities for women.
Yet, despite these historical examples of women’s involvement in revolutionary movements, there are still significant challenges globally. Women, particularly in the Global South, continue to be subjected to violence, economic exploitation, and political disenfranchisement. The global struggle for women’s rights is not just about securing legal protections but also about fundamentally transforming the systems that perpetuate gender inequality, whether through addressing global trade imbalances, ensuring access to healthcare, or combating the rise of authoritarianism and religious fundamentalism that restricts women’s freedoms.
The Path Forward: Building a Future of Equality
On this International Women’s Day, as we honor the achievements and contributions of women everywhere, we must also recognize that the path to women’s liberation is far from complete. The fight for gender equality must continue to challenge the structures that perpetuate patriarchy, inequality, and exploitation.
We must demand:
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Universal Access to Education and Healthcare – Women’s access to free, quality education and healthcare, including reproductive health, is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed for all.
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End to Gender-Based Violence – The global fight to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence—be it domestic violence, sexual harassment, or human trafficking—must be strengthened with real, state-backed action.
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Economic Equality – Women must receive equal pay for equal work, with access to stable employment opportunities and protection from exploitation in the informal economy.
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Political Empowerment – Women must have equal representation in all aspects of governance, both in the local and national political spheres. This includes full participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
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A Radical Restructuring of Society – True equality can only be achieved through the abolition of exploitative economic systems that place profit over people. A world where women are free must be one where all are free from exploitation, oppression, and marginalization.
As we reflect on the struggles of women, we must understand that their liberation is not a matter of charity or temporary reforms. It is a matter of justice, and the only way to ensure true and lasting change is to build a society rooted in equality, solidarity, and collective action. The struggle for women’s rights is the struggle for human rights—one that cannot be separated from the fight for social, economic, and environmental justice for all.
On this day, let us recommit ourselves to the global struggle for gender equality and work toward a future where every woman can live with dignity, freedom, and opportunity.
In solidarity with women’s struggles worldwide! ✊
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