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We all love a little attention; especially the ones that come our way on March 8th. But, do we really need an international women's day? Why?
We all love a little attention; especially attention that comes our way on March 8th. But, do we really need an International Women’s Day? Why?
On Sunday, the 8th March, a number of my friends will post something on their social media networks to celebrate womanhood or speak out against gender inequality. Yes! International Women’s Day makes it easy for the younger generation to put on their part-time activist t-shirts, for ordinary people to get excited about women’s rights, for the media to make money with special programs, debates and for brands to sell more!
As the day approaches, everywhere, you see articles on women’s empowerment, feminism, women’s rights and so on. All these are like one-day matches; very interesting, sensational and the talk of the town. The next day it vanishes in thin air. We need to push ourselves and think seriously about this.
I feel that it is bliss to be a woman. ‘Woman’ is considered the epitome of love and compassion, and one who embraces all hardships to keep her family and loved ones happy. However, the irony lies in the fact that she is being denied equal rights and opportunities as that of men. She has to struggle hard to fight for the dignity she deserves. The respect that should come naturally is not received even on demand.
In this situation, let me put forth some important questions.
Why do we need an International Women’s Day? We, women, comprise over half the population in the world; so why should we get our own day? Why is this special celebration just for women?
In spite of being over half of the population, women are half of nothing!
Do we have a fifty percent representation among policy makers? No!
Among corporate executives? Nope!
At least among decision makers? Not even close!
But there are a lot of ‘yesses’ too. Let’s look at these facts now.
Women consist of half the world’s population living in extreme poverty! We are well over half of the victims of domestic abuse, violence, and physical assault and rape.
These statistics are not worth celebrating. Let me make it clear – this is not about pointing out that men comprise the other half in those horrible statistics; it’s about making world a better, safer place for all. I think women’s issues should be considered as human rights issues.
Though women are increasingly holders of financial and economic clout and their consumer purchasing, investment and financial power is gradually rising, we need to work on it some more.
So, coming back to the question again, do we really need to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Well, I think we need it because:
Now, isn’t this something to be celebrated? But let’s not forget to celebrate being a woman every day, every minute and every second.
Conceptual image via Shutterstock
First published at the author’s blog
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
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