It is a global day with simultaneous celebrations and protests to recognise of the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women.

March 8 marks the steps in progression for an inclusive and equal society. 

After centuries of oppression, violence and inequality, women have a louder voice than ever – and so we should.

It remembers the women, like the suffragettes, who gave their lives to pave a brighter path for generations of women to come. 

But there is still a lot of work to do. 

Now, more than ever, we must press forward and progress gender parity.

We have seen solidarity and unity with campaigns, such as #metoo and #timesup, receiving worldwide responses and followers. 

This year’s theme is ‘press for progress’ and it is an invitation for unity in a time of desperately needed change. 

The name may imply it’s a day for women, but the movement needs the whole community, men and women, to come together in the battle for inclusiveness and equality.

The mentality of men verses women needs to be thrown out because the way forward is through unity, acceptance and solidarity. 

But there is something stopping the press for progress – it is the attitude of women towards each other. 

Social constructs, such as race, still cloud an inclusive and equitable vision of the future. 

The gigantic mountain of gender inequality cannot be conquered until women stop allowing each other to fall off a metaphorical ledge. 

It begins with reconciliation.

This means all women acknowledging the individual and group constructs which divide them.

We are all different but we are also the same.

We, women, share an invisible bond. This bond, or more specifically oppression, has been with us since birth. 

We cannot be divided anymore by social status, race, wealth, age or sexuality.

Every single woman has a responsibility to protect, defend and stand up for other women.

The ultimate goal is smashing inequality between men and women, yes, but first we have to achieve equality with each other.