Had been thinking about this
since yesterday. Why do we celebrate Women's Day? Searched on the web. Got some
answers. Apparently somewhere in 1900s around 15000 women marched through the
NY city demanding for voting rights, equal pay and shorter working hours (I don’t know why was that demanded, but
anyways). Following year, that day was declared to be observed as International
Women’s Day.
After reading this, I am
surprised that apart from voting rights in many countries, other demands still
are to be met. In fact, the number of demands have rather increased. Demand for
equality, respect, security, freedom… Respect at home, respect at workplace,
respect for an entrepreneur, respect if woman wants to take up an offbeat route
of life. The reason for starting to celebrate this day might be noble but it
really does not help. Organizing fun women oriented events on one particular
day of the year and then beat them up emotionally, physically and mentally on
all other days.
In fact, on this particular day
there are lakhs of women around the world who are still being oppressed. I am
not against the fact to celebrate a day but only for day is not what it should
be. Every individual – man or woman, boy or a girl deserves to be celebrated every
single day. Every year we wonder if there is any Men’s Day as well. Google it.
It says 19th November. How many of us know that? Handful.
It’s the mindset of the people
which needs to be changed – men-women alike. There are women who wants to kill
an embryo or an infant if it’s a girl. There are educated men who works in
corporates with female colleagues but still thinks that they (females) are not
capable enough to compete with us (males) and feel jealous if they get promoted
– the boss might have got some favors
from her or she might have done some extra boot licking to get the promotion.
There are parents who still don’t want to send their girls to school or higher
studies because they have ultimately to be married off. There are people who
still does not hesitate even for a moment to pass ugly remarks and stares to
women or raise their hands on them. Lot of women drive cars and bikes, yet if
we see a female driving a car, all sorts of jokes are cracked – hope you have the license. How many
accidents you have done? Let me pray while you drive. Eyes and mouths open
wide if you see a girl riding a bulky bike. And talk about Women Empowerment
campaign – many women are misusing the laws made to protect them to blackmail
or extort money. We talk about equality but still fight if men do not vacate a
seat ‘reserved’ for females (I am not talking about pregnant ladies).
You can’t become ‘Fragile Gender’
as per occasion or situation. Apart from the basic genetic and physical
differences which are there between men and women, if you believe you are
equal, you are equal always.
I know I am dreaming or talking
about the perfect – and so, impossible – world. But respect for each and every
living being is what is required, rather than specific days to celebrate and
salute each role – Women, Men, Mother, Father, Daughter, Valentines and what
not. I find it very awkward to utter those three words to my Mom and Mom-in-Law
- Happy Mothers’ Day. Why should I consciously make that one day special for
her? Same way, why should I be treated with respect and congratulated on this
one day out of 365 days of the year? On our social networks daily we see so
many quotes and videos made to show some beautiful messages to respect females,
to love your mothers, parents, and babies. All of us Like them and Share them.
How many of us have actually changed ourselves because of those videos or
messages?
I say, celebrate those specific days
but continue the celebration throughout the year. And don’t forget to celebrate
Men’s Day too. They also deserves to be celebrated.
