Here you go ladies… A day dedicated to all of
you, a day where you can proudly embrace the womanhood, a day where you can
indulge in lots of male bashing, a day when every male member of your family or
friends treats you specially, only because your calendar screams 8th
of March , with the huge hue of pink
in it!!
As I am always interested in knowing the
significance of dates and the history behind it, let us know some past
development about the women’s day and why it is been celebrated on 8th
march.
During the 1900s, there was actual oppression
being carried on the women. In the western countries, even though the ladies
where equally participating in the work force and handling the household
responsibility, there was a lot of discrimination toward them. No voting
rights, less wages and many other issues forced the ladies to demand equal
rights for them. So, the Socialist Party of America, decided to observe
national women’s day on every last Sunday of February until 1913. In 1910, Copenhagen hosted the International
Conference of Working Women, where Clara Zetkins, a German leader floated the
idea of international’s women’s day.
It was celebrated for the first time in
countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19th of
March. But how come 8th of March
came into existence?
While American and western European ladies
where raising their voice, the Russian women began a strike called ‘Bread and
Peace’ in response to the death of more than 2 millions soldier in the war. The
Czar rule of Russia finally budged in to the demands of the women, granting
them many rights, including right to vote. This historic day was 8th
of March. In 1913, this date was declared as the official date to celebrate
womanhood.
When you read all this, we all will feel that
the woman had came a long way to get the due respect which they all deserved. This
year , the UN theme for International women’s day is “Empowering Women,
Empowering Humanity”.
Sadly, in India, there is still a lot of
development to be done. Women need to be educated, female feticide practice has
to be eradicated; the mental and physical abuse has to be stopped.
Of course, the ongoing incident of rapes
proves that a much lot has to be changed.
But how to change the mindset of people?
My answer is education. Not just the bookish
knowledge, we need to educate women as well as men, with the moral teachings…
And what
about educated but misogynist men? Well ,
lots of awareness program which may help to tone down the patriarchal rules of
the society.
I also want to plead the already empowered
women to please step up and help those women who are in urgent need of social upliftment, rather than indulging in silly male bashing
and calling themselves “feminist”.
While we talk about the degraded status of
women in all over the world, we sometimes neglect the great feat achieved by them in various fields. There are many women who are head of a state, doctor,
inventor, athlete and many more. Did you know, In 2012 London Olympics , women
competed in all 26 events but men were not allowed to participate in two events
, which were synchronized swimming and rhythmic gymnastics. It is this sort of
distinction or achievement which will encourage the women to walk equally with
men.
For conclusion, a very hearty congratulation
to the World no. 3 Women’s Badminton player , Saina Nehwal, for clinching
Silver in All England Championship and becoming first Indian women to do so!! I
am sure your achievement will surely inspire lots of Indian girls to achieve their
dream in sports and breaking a lot of stereotypes.
#MakeItHappen
Finally, three cheers for women!!!
