On the Occasion of Women’s Day

 

The essence of this day is – a day to celebrate the accomplishment of women, the strength of a women, the journey of women. And why is it needed? According to the popular opinion of notable websites – to foster gender equality.

Many pragmatist male friends of mine argue that not many know of Men’s Day – even if they do, it is not hyped so much. “Staunch Self-proclaimed Feminists” would argue that all other days are men’s days – because the amount of importance & hype men get in their lifetimes do not warrant the need of a separate men’s day.

In my honest opinion - gender equality, men’s/women’s day, women empowerment have become more of political topics – used or discussed according to convenience than to address the real problem. Companies, colleges, institutions use female quota/reservation/female friendly policies to market how they promote diversity; opportunist women use Glass Ceiling/Gender discrimination as an excuse to climb up the ladder; women, census, opportunities have become more of a statistics than a real live issue and every marginal percent increase in number of women achievers is termed as progress.

I can honestly say that I have been lucky. In spite of being a girl, I have got the best education, best opportunities, no unreasonable restrictions & best support in personal & professional spheres. And I am not saying I am exception – I know many others who are as lucky as me or luckier. I have no compulsions to be made to feel special on women’s day because personally I haven’t been made to feel different in a negative sense because of my gender most times.  But I would be indignant on behalf of my community because I also know many others who are not so lucky.

Being a woman, my thoughts might certainly hold a bias for females or against males no matter how much I try to keep an open mind. Because I have seen, read or experienced in some proportion the atrocities against women - the issue of women safety is a topic that never seems to find a solution. And the much hyped up slogan of "a woman's strength" - it is not a choice but a necessity - much like the hype of "Mumbaikar Spirit". When you face discrimination, unsafe environment, and prejudice on an almost daily basis - being strong is the only way possible to survive.

So to those who feel women’s day is a hype or an unfair tradition – I would tend to agree. Because if you genuinely make the women in your lives feel safe, respected and loved, this day is certainly not needed. And if you don’t, believe me, your wishes on this day would be a hypocrite’s lip service at best.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Year in Review

There is something about losing a loved one that nothing can really heal. The fact that you can no longer bring back, see or talk to the person no matter how hard you try, is just one of them. The worst is probably the feelings of dread and fear it triggers. I lost my grandfather this year in March and since then internally I have been a mess. I would not say that I was the fondest of him all throughout. He has not been the easiest of people to live and adjust with. But losing him and specifically seeing him pass, suddenly, in front of me was traumatic to say the least. And that kind of triggered these emotions – of fear, of vulnerability, of insecurity. Not wanting to lose yet another loved one anytime soon. Which is perhaps why, when I look back at the year, everything else that happened seems to kind of fade in comparison. A year that started off in one of the best possible manner, at my mama-mami’s farmhouse in Pali – a calm, peaceful abode they had bought – a place which my gr...
Read more

Gratitude

A late post for my birthday From the time I was a kid, right until a few years ago, I used to be really really excited for my birthday. The countdown would begin from a month ago. There would be planning, hoping for some surprises, cakes, celebration. I would be waiting to see who calls at midnight and if the ones I really love remember my birthday or no. It all changed suddenly (thankfully) a few years ago, when birthday lost its meaning, its importance. It was just another day. That’s not to say that the concept of birthdays was not appealing. I really enjoy making them special – for others. But my own? I am not as much excited anymore. Maturity? Growth? I hope so! Have I really grown wiser? Calmer? More patient? I don’t know. But have I learnt to cope with things better? Become stronger? I think so. Because I have been blessed with a support system so rare, they don’t let me fall. This birthday was special to me because it came riding on the back of one of my toughest ...
Read more

The Question of Self Worth

Do you feel the need to constantly prove yourself even when no one is asking you to? The pressure to add value to a team, a project, a group? The stress to not feel like a burden but instead an asset? Hoping that people around are happy with you, satisfied with you, proud of you? If yes, then welcome to my world – of overthinking, over stressing, over pleasing! I won’t say I am the most amicable or patient – quite the opposite in fact. I am also one of the most straightforward, undiplomatic persons you could have the misfortune to encounter. And yet I have this gnawing need to be worthy – of someone, of their joy, their pride, their satisfaction. And with that comes an earnest, perseverant effort to go that extra mile, to win over their approval – even if it is at the cost of my own peace or health. So in this battle – to be straightforward, yet to try and avoid conflict; to showcase my displeasure, yet earn respect; to fight for logical and yet gain acceptance – I get strewn all...
Read more