This is the 114th time the world marks International Women’s Day. Yet, true gender equality remains out of reach despite over a century of struggle. The theme selected for this year is ‘Accelerated Action’. A World Economic Forum report suggests that it might take another 133 years to bridge this gender gap, considering the current pace of progress.

Given this reality, the day will be filled with speeches, viral hashtags, and panel discussions, all highlighting women’s struggles and celebrating their achievements. This is usually followed by a flood of promises, which hopefully would not take as long to fulfil.

But March 8 must not be seen as another date on the calendar. This important occasion must be treated as a checkpoint to move forward while reflecting on the overall change since its last celebration. In Pakistan’s perspective, the fight for equality, empowerment and protection of women and girls has moved forward in the past year. Maryam Nawaz became Punjab’s first female chief minister, Naila Kiani kept conquering 8,000-meter peaks, the Sohail sisters made Pakistan proud in weightlifting, and Dr Helen Mary Roberts shattered barriers in the army. Women continue to rise in leadership, making headlines through vision, dedication, and hard work.

The progress is uneven and has not reached all women. We must stop pretending that the road to excellence is open to everyone. There are gaps, loopholes, and not to mention, restrictions and stigmatization used as weapons to block progress

At the same time, federal and provincial governments have taken concrete steps to drive positive change in society. From Lahore’s Panic Button initiative to interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs, from Women on Wheels to vocational training, and the drafting of laws for domestic workers, the progress has been significant. These achievements must be celebrated, but then again, the conversation does not end here.

The progress is uneven and has not reached all women. We must stop pretending that the road to excellence is open to everyone. There are gaps, loopholes, and not to mention, restrictions and stigmatization used as weapons to block progress. Violence against women and girls still prevails, and so does discrimination. Women still struggle for decision-making roles, while activists who speak up for their rights face threats. Moreover, those entering the political arena still have to fight misogyny every step of the way. And since this year is about accelerated action, swift and practical steps must be taken to erase the vulnerabilities women have to put up with the moment they step out of their homes.

International Women’s Day is usually loud, but real change is still quiet, slow, frustrating. Speeches and social media posts alone would not fix a thing. Seeing women in power is good, but seeing women with power would be better. It’s a fight that ought to be fought not just for a day but every day.