Sunday, March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Rights Day. It is therefore not about celebrating women themselves, but their rights. So keep the idea of flowers and chocolates for Mother’s day instead! On the other hand, men, women and people of all genders alike should maintain their attention and commitment to this unique day. Yes, everyone. Even in Switzerland, or especially in Switzerland!
Our country ranks only 17th on the World Economic Forum’s Gender Equality Index. This ranking shows that despite a stable economy and a high standard of living, significant gaps remain, particularly in terms of political representation, access to positions of high responsibility, and the gender pay gap. Several countries, sometimes less economically advantaged, have managed to reduce these inequalities more effectively, demonstrating that Switzerland has real potential for progress. There’s no need to hang our heads in shame, but it’s clear we can do better.
Switzerland has taken essential steps for women’s rights: women’s suffrage, the inclusion of equality between women and men in the Constitution, equal access to education and vocational training, the right to abortion, and the adoption of the Equality Act are just a few examples. So what? Should we already consider ourselves satisfied and fortunate given that, on a global scale, women benefit from only 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men, according to UN Women?
Well… to a certain extent, yes. If the list of improvements still needed in our society remains too long, let us for once focus on the glass half full. Ultimately, does this mean that we are, in some way, privileged? If those who feel a certain ‘gender fatigue’, along with other skeptics of equality, can agree with that premise, then stay with me a little longer.
However, these privileges come with responsibility. Being aware of one’s advantages does not mean blaming individuals or better-endowed countries, nor stigmatizing men in relation to women. It means recognizing a reality and acting accordingly. Defending one’s own rights while refusing them to others is a moral contradiction. Those who are privileged have more means to act and face fewer personal risks, which gives them a particular responsibility in maintaining or transforming social structures.
The rights of each person only make sense if they contribute to the rights of all. This responsibility is neither a heroic act nor optional generosity: it is a collective duty. All of us, men and women, privileged or not, must act to support equality and reduce injustices in our lives, our companies, and our communities.
Having rights also means having the strength to fight for those of others. On this March 8, let us remember that equality is not only an individual demand: it is a collective commitment that benefits everyone.
