International women’s day is celebrated across the world on March 8 every year. The history of why women’s day is celebrated goes back to 109 years. In 1909 when The socio-political party of America celebrated 15000women who protested against various issues like low pay scale and equal opportunities. The idea of international women’s day grew for the first time in 1911 and United Nations declared 8th March international women’s day in 1975.This day belongs to all groups entirely everywhere and marks the importance of Gender Equality. It concentrates on the movements for women’s rights commemorating various roles which could be mother, daughter, and wife and so on. It is celebrated to give rise to attention to various depravities which are thriving in our society like domestic violence, child marriage, female infanticide etc. This day is celebrated as an official holiday in many countries – Albania, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan etc. On this particular day, the world unites to encourage women how to grapple with all the drawbacks in almost all, realms of their lives. By celebrating this enormous International mother’s day do we think the outlook of society changed? Women playa substantial role in our society as well as for the well being of our families .women are one of the enormous and strong pillars of our society. She is an in genious force that helps to build confidence and stands behind as a shield. In today’s world, women are now beginning to realise their potential and are very convenient to out of their homes to contribute to society as a whole and are seen in every career. She is now competent to organize everything inside and outside accountabilities. But we all are well-known about the fact that there are still few countries where women are not given equal opportunities and are considered to be confined to the four walls of a room. She is not given equal rights. She is not considered a family member. She is abused, cursed and always being infringed. She is inhibited to partake in social, economic and religious activities. Ironically, Women are in peril everywhere, they are brutally attacked they are not allowed to pursue higher education, domestic violence is increasing, acid attacks are common. Her rights are seized by her people. Isn’t it uncanny? For this who is responsible? The answer is modern Society. It is the one who is susceptible to all these tragedies that disturb the peace of mind and lag behind the respect and dignity of women. Women cannot flourish when they became victims’ of prejudice. She performs her roles very affectionately as a mother, daughter, wife and sister despite all these she is often denied in society. The necessity of an hour is that this outlook needs to be altered for these women empowerment is must we need to empower women so they will be able to speak out for their rights and never be victims of injustice. The greatest personalities of the world like Indira Gandhi, Winfrey Oprah, Hillary Clinton has strengthened women’s rights. Article51 A (e) of the Indian constitution imposes on every citizen by way of fundamental duty the responsibility to renounce practice derogatory to the dignity of women.
As per the UN report on education for womenis the most effective way of changing the attitude of society. We should know the worth and significance of women in our lives. We should motivate our women folk and show them the right path so they save themselves from any evil that is prevailing in our society. We should provide a better and safe future for females around the world so that they will be able to transform the world and be accessible from any kind of oppression. We should raise the standards of women and inspire our younger ones that woman isa blessing and should be appreciated every day with love and warmth. Don’t consider her burden. Respect women and reprimand the atrocities committed on women folk as they too have the right to live their life happily. We should not attempt to strangulate the voices of women we should prefer freedom over oppression. The society also should be made aware that both genders are equal and have equal access to resources. Let her live for her passion so she stands on their feet and build-up their identity in the society and can live their lives with dignity and free from fear which helps them to increase their self-esteem. It is a collective responsibility for all to create such an aura in our society that ensures the safety and dignity of women as it is the women who are the backbone of our family who gives birth to the next generation and enlighten our homes as well as society. The best protection any woman can have is courage.”(Elizabeth CadyStanton)
(The author is a freelancer presently pursuing her education at Department Of Education Kashmir University Srinagar. Views are her own)
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