Women's day

08th March, 2014, Saturday, 5:30 pm      

      We had a small Women’s day celebration event in office yesterday. We honoured each Woman in our team by gifting them a rose and a chocolate. This was then followed by a cake cutting ceremony and light snacks. The event ended on a happy note and all of us got back to work.  While I got busy working on an assignment, I just happened to notice around that a few colleagues left the roses at their respective workplaces. I shared this fact with a senior colleague, upon which she playfully remarked, “See, this is the freedom that Women have...they can’t even take a rose back home”. I thought for a moment before I could react. What was she referring to? I told her that although her statement was simple, it had depth.  It may not have been true in its entirety but may be it did speak of a reality that bites.          

      A Woman is a source of great strength, energy and power. She is akin to that ray of light that permeates the darkest of rooms and enlightens it. She juggles so many roles today being a parent, wife, sister, home maker, working professional, teacher, support source and many more ; meeting so many expectations without compromising on any of them and without expecting too much in return. One need not look beyond one’s family, friendship, office to realise this truth. But despite all the awareness that pervades the social fabric today about Women’s liberation, Women empowerment and the societal importance of Women, can we fully claim that Women are indeed given the respect, trust, freedom, encouragement, love, happiness and opportunities that they so truly deserve? In a predominantly male-centric society like ours, you would come across numerous instances where a Woman is subject to humiliation, insult, distrust, threats, hatred and many other ills just because of her gender.  Amidst all the claims of gender equality, the balance of the broader society is still tilted in favour of men.

     On this occasion of Women’s day, let us all vow to end all that is unfair, unjust, biased and inequitable to Women. Let us all take this opportunity to salute and honour the indomitable spirit, the values, the selflessness, the strength that Women symbolise and stand for. As for all the men concerned, fewer things in life can be manlier to do than making Women feel respected and happier. Wishing you a very Happy Women’s day !!

PS – Please note that the above article is not meant to offend / glorify any particular gender.  I would like to quote Jane Galvin Lewis here - You don’t have to be anti-man to be pro-woman.