March 8th!! International Women’s Day ! –
This is how this day is getting deciphered in recent years 🤷♀️👇
Politicians consider it as an opportunity to trade their cleverly crafted agendas mixed with the theme of empowering women in various social arenas. The marketing world tries to push through some products by churning out some advertisements which appeal to our sentiments and emotions. The products range from lingerie to mobile phones to clothing. The hospitality industry offers some discounts on their food products and makes people to dine out. The health industry comes out with some offers on various health check schemes, and urges women to have concern on their health.
The corporate world catches up with the fever by organizing some special events for their women employees and providing some goodies. The entertainment world in order to make sure that it is not left far behind tries to portray women in bold roles in their offerings. Nothing much needs to be explained on the contribution of the media on women’s day as they come out with lot of talk shows, documentaries, some even sparking off controversies, interviews with women achievers etc…
Messages with the theme of empowering women receive lot of likes and shares on the various social media avenues. Husbands offering gifts to wives, children gifting cards to their mothers, brothers congratulating their sisters and male colleagues wishing their female counterparts; the world cherishes the women’s day in various ways.
Does all these celebrations stop with only one day? Has all the women’s days that have gone by brought about any real changes in the lives of women? Are women getting the needed safety? Are women really empowered in the society?
In a world marred by gender-based violence, discrimination, and systemic oppression, the celebration of International Women’s Day often feels like a bitter irony. While the day symbolizes progress and empowerment, the stark reality remains: women continue to face appalling mistreatment and inequality across the globe.
From the acutely distressing accounts of rape and sexual assault to the insidious perpetuation of gender stereotypes that reduce women to mere objects of desire, the plight of women transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses.
Despite strides in advocacy and awareness, the pervasive nature of violence against women serves as a haunting reminder of the systemic failures that persist. One of the most glaring manifestations of this injustice is the prevalence of sexual violence. Women are disproportionately affected by rape, assault, and harassment, often enduring not only physical trauma but also enduring psychological scars that linger long after the initial incident. The culture of victim-blaming and shaming further compounds the trauma, silencing survivors and perpetuating a cycle of late punishments or castigation for the perpetrators.
Moreover, the spectre of domestic violence looms large, trapping countless women in abusive relationships characterized by coercion, manipulation, and fear. Behind closed doors, homes transform into battlegrounds where women endure physical and emotional torment at the hands of those meant to love and protect them. The normalization of such abuse perpetuates a dangerous narrative that undermines the inherent dignity and autonomy of women.
Even in the realm of commerce and media, women are often reduced to mere commodities, valued solely for their physical appearance and perceived marketability. From exploitative advertising campaigns to the objectification of women in popular culture, the pervasive influence of patriarchal norms reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates a cycle of commodification that devalues women’s worth. Furthermore, the insidious prevalence of marital torture and coercion serves as a stark reminder of the systemic barriers that impede women’s autonomy and agency within intimate relationships. Forced marriages, honour killings, and other forms of familial violence strip women of their fundamental rights and perpetuate a cycle of subjugation that denies them the opportunity to live free from fear and oppression.
In light of these sobering realities, the notion of celebrating Women’s Day can feel hollow and incongruous. How can we commemorate progress and empowerment when women continue to suffer at the hands of a society that systemically marginalizes and oppresses them?
However, amidst the darkness, there exists a glimmer of hope—a collective call to action to dismantle the structures of oppression and build a world where women are truly valued, respected, and empowered.
Celebrating Women’s Day should not serve as a mere gesture of empty symbolism, but rather as a rallying cry for justice, equality, and solidarity. It should be a day to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, to advocate for systemic change, and to honour the resilience and strength of women everywhere. It should be a day to confront the uncomfortable truths of gender inequality and commit ourselves to the arduous but essential work of building a more just and equitable world for all. So, as we mark International Women’s Day, let us not shy away from the harsh realities that persist, but rather let us use this moment as a catalyst for meaningful action and change.
Let us stand in solidarity with women around the world and reaffirm our collective commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity. Only then can we truly honour the spirit of Women’s Day and pave the way for a future where every woman can live free from fear, violence, and oppression.