International Women’s Day 2026: A Fairness – Forward Future – By Dr. Himaya S.W.A
Source:- Dæhæna
March 8, 2026, marks the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD). While we celebrate a century of milestones, we must also reflect on the movement’s original catalyst: gender disparity. Globally, women still hold only 64% of the legal rights afforded to men in areas of work, safety, and property. This gap is not just a statistic; it is a measurable deficit in income, representation, and opportunity.
Within the Sri Lankan diaspora, women are exceptionally accomplished, leading careers, supporting extended families, and anchoring communities. Yet the playing field remains uneven. Evidence suggests that women must often over-perform to achieve the same recognition as their male counterparts. Today, the primary barrier is often not a lack of opportunity, but the invisible weight of unconscious bias.
Unconscious bias refers to the subtle, automatic assumptions we all make without realising it. These reactions are shaped by culture, upbringing, and long-standing ideas about authority and gender roles. In a classic example, leadership traits such as decisiveness and assertiveness are traditionally linked to masculinity. When a man demonstrates these qualities, he is often praised as strong and capable, while women are often penalised with a likability penalty for being “difficult” or “abrasive” for the same behaviour. The behaviour is identical; the perception is bias.
The narrative of women’s contribution is often treated as background support rather than strategic leadership. This is a well-documented phenomenon within professional and even community organisations. Women may be deeply involved and equally qualified, yet subtly steered toward hospitality, secretarial, or supportive roles, while men chair discussions and make final decisions. Despite these contributions being essential, they are not recognised as shared authority.
Bias is also embedded in our language. A successful man is called “ambitious,” a credit to his character, while a successful woman is asked how she “manages it all,” treating her success as a logistical miracle. This framing subtly checks whether she is still prioritising traditional roles, reinforcing the idea that a woman’s professional life is a secondary addition rather than a primary pursuit.
These patterns, rooted in generations of social conditioning, are rarely intentional and are reinforced by both men and women alike. However, awareness is the prerequisite for action. As we mark the 115th anniversary of IWD, our focus must shift from mere representation to genuine authority through a fairness-forward approach.
A fairness-forward mindset creates a culture where talent and choice are the primary currencies. Empowering women means creating a space where everyone is valued for their contributions and opportunities are unlocked by merit, not dictated by gender roles or bias. Ultimately, women’s empowerment is never about downgrading men; it is a collective elevation of our community.
Progress begins when we choose to listen, reflect, and lead without bias. This IWD, let us commit to a partnership that optimises our collective human potential.
Dr. Himaya S.W.A.
Research Scientist | Community Contributor
Queensland University of Technology
