In the Year 2022

What should the world look like for women in 2022? It should be safe and equitable. It should be free of the trafficking and exploitation of women, and violence against them. It should ensure that women are educated, empowered, and that their voices are heard and valued. My hope is that in 2022 all women – regardless of geography – can reach their full potential and capacity to be productive members of society.

Prioritizing the health and well-being of women took center stage at the 19th Congress of the International Council on Women’s Health Issues (ICOWHI) in November. Health leaders and thought leaders from around the world met in Bangkok, Thailand, to partner for “a brighter global future.” Those leaders included Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand. ICOWHI honored the Princess for her unwavering commitment to women’s rights with the Taylor and Francis Distinguished Award for Exemplary Work on Women’s Health.

Meeting the needs and rights of women by 2022 (which is what should be) will take much effort, systematic and deliberate planning, and strategic actions. This will take a cross-section of social sectors must embrace partnerships rooted in justice and equity.

There has been some progress toward these goals and powerful examples of best practices have resulted in outcomes that many thought leaders envisioned and articulated for many years. Seemingly small efforts have yielded big gains. In several countries, the new development of having separate toilets for boys and girls has reduced the rate of school drop-out among girls after the onset of puberty. Women in Nairobi, Kenya, in partnership with local businesses, developed “Adopt-a-Light Limited” to ensure working street lights so urban women can travel safely. An urban maternal and newborn health program called Manoshi brings skilled birth attendants to women living in the slums of Dhaka in Bangladesh.

These programs have successfully brought women’s issues to the forefront, raising the consciousness of leaders and enhancing women’s opportunities to influence politics and society.

Fast forward to 2022 - by continued work toward a future of equity, safety, well-being, and productivity we may be able to make that future happen sooner for women world-wide.