Women’s History Month has come and gone, and despite all the drama, we are still here and multitasking more than ever. However, imagine waking up one day to find all the women had simply vanished! No grandmothers, mothers, aunties, sisters, wives, daughters. No women CEOs, scientists, business leaders, athletes, or activists. It sounds like the plot of a bad sci-fi movie, but let’s entertain the idea for a moment—purely for educational purposes (and a bit of humor). What would such a world look like? Spoiler alert: it would be an absolute disaster.
First, let’s talk logistics. A world without women means no more visionaries leading businesses, no educators shaping young minds, and no diplomats negotiating peace. A 2021 report highlights women’s labor contributes $28 trillion to global GDP. Remove that workforce, and economies crumble faster than a toddler’s Lego tower.
Women make up nearly 70% of healthcare workers worldwide. In the U.S., 76% of public school teachers are women. Women entrepreneurs own 42% of businesses in the U.S., and their numbers are growing globally, fueling economic progress.
Beyond labor and leadership, imagine a world without women’s diplomacy and social intelligence. Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence would be redefined without women’s presence in politics, international relations, and community-building. Who would smooth over tensions at work?
This is where Women’s History Month comes in. Every March, we celebrate the contributions of women throughout history—trailblazers who fought for the rights we often take for granted. From Marie Curie’s groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity to Madam C.J. Walker’s empire that revolutionized Black beauty and entrepreneurship, women have shaped the world in ways that are too vast to list. Yet, despite all this, gender inequality remains a global issue.
A few weeks ago, the news was abuzz with the fiasco surrounding International Women’s Day at a major corporation that celebrated by… giving women less money. (Yes, really.) Major banks in the UK showed they had slightly closed the pay gap while determining what is next for policies that impact women in their companies.
Now, let’s shift this perspective to something even more sobering: the experience of female domestic violence survivors. Imagine a woman named Lisa. She’s intelligent and ambitious and once dreamed of running her own business. But for years, she lived in a world that refused to acknowledge her needs. Her partner controlled the finances, dismissed her ambitions, and ensured she remained dependent. When she finally escaped, she faced another challenge—navigating a society that, much like a world without women, didn’t fully recognize or value her contributions.
Lisa’s story is not unique. Many survivors of domestic violence must fight for access to education, financial independence, and essential recognition of their worth. Just as a world without women would be a world stripped of diplomacy, innovation, and progress, the silencing of survivors leads to a society that fails to thrive. Many survivors struggle to regain stability without access to financial literacy programs, business mentorship, and employment opportunities.
Now, let’s add some humor to our hypothetical world without women—picture global summits without any of the female diplomats who negotiate peace. Without women in finance, the stock market might resemble a chaotic poker game. And let’s not forget the influence of women in fashion—without them, coordinated outfits and stylish innovation would vanish within months.
Social etiquette would be another casualty. Who would remember the importance of thank-you notes, setting the right tone in emails, or the art of active listening? And let’s face it—without women, the art of the side-eye would be lost forever, and how else do we convey disapproval with such efficiency?
Jokes aside, the importance of women’s contributions cannot be overstated. Women have fought for their place in the world—often against overwhelming odds—and yet continue to face wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, and systemic discrimination. The progress made must be protected and advanced.
More importantly, we must ensure that our girls develop into young women with agency and knowledge, empowering them to become vital members of whatever path they choose. Whether they become scientists, artists, athletes, or leaders, their contributions profoundly shape the world. Investing in their growth today secures a better tomorrow for everyone.
For survivors of domestic violence, this investment is even more critical. Economic empowerment, legal protections, and access to education are essential and life-changing. If we genuinely want to support women, we must build a world that uplifts every Lisa, giving her the resources to reclaim her power and potential.
So, how do we ensure we become a society that genuinely values half its population? Support policies that promote and invest in women in all facets of society and value those who choose to balance motherhood and career with resources and support. Most importantly, let’s not just celebrate women’s history in March—make recognizing and empowering women an everyday effort.
Because at the end of the day, the world doesn’t just need women—it runs on the power of women.
About the Author: Yasmin Tarver directs Workforce Development programs for survivors of domestic violence and a member of The OpEd Project Public Voices Fellowship on Domestic Violence and Economic Security
