On the eve of celebrating National Women’s Day, the day has been marked of great importance among women, who have been role models in every aspect. Marking this significant day, Dr Anju Chopra, Principal, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Indore speaks about Women’s Day and shares her experiences.
International Women’s Day, a global observance on March 8 has evolved into a powerful platform for advocating women’s rights, equality and empowerment. I personally feel that empowering women is fundamentally about dismantling barriers, challenging stereotypes and creating an environment where women can fully participate in all aspects of society. This day holds a profound significance in the Indian context too, serving as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted challenges faced by women in the country and the imperative to empower them for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Cultural and social norms often perpetuate gender stereotypes and contribute to the marginalization of women. The celebration of this day must merely not be a symbolic gesture; rather urging the society to confront deeply ingrained stereotypes, discriminatory practices and systemic barriers that hinder the full participation of women in various spheres must be our war cry. Evaluation of harmful practices, such as child marriage, female infanticide and advocates for a more inclusive and respectful portrayal of women must be encouraged.
I always remember my mother used to urge me to become a lady and that does not mean to be masculine but to be my own self, be confident and bold. She always reiterated that you should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right. I too feel that a strong woman is one who understands that gifts such as confidence, lucidity, decisiveness, and fearlessness are valuable and knows how to use all of her gifts. All these gifts are like a muscle and the more we exercise it the more natural these qualities become making women independent and strong. All this must be our way of life. We must remember that we belong to a land with rich cultural heritage sprinkled with strong and independent women. We look up to Goddess Saraswati as the embodiment of knowledge and Maa Durga as a personification of courage and strength, but somewhere the position and power of a woman was diluted, but now is the time to regain the lost glory again and rise and shine.
Education plays a pivotal role in women empowerment. We must together challenge and overcome gender-based discrimination in educational institutions and high dropout rates among girls and advocate inclusive and accessible education, urging authorities to address barriers that hinder girls’ and women’s access to quality learning. Economic empowerment is another key aspect. In India, despite the country’s economic growth, women still encounter disparities in wages, limited access to entrepreneurial opportunities and a disproportionate burden of unpaid work. On the other hand, we must ensure that policies that promote equal pay, support women entrepreneurs, recognize and value the contributions of women in the workforce must be enforced.
Political empowerment is another focal point. It has been rightly said that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world, as women, particularly mothers, have a decisive influence on the future direction of society because they raise and nurture the next generation. While India has seen notable women leaders at the national and State levels, there is still an under representation of women in political offices at various levels. I think women must be encouraged to participate actively in politics and become an inspiration for all.
In conclusion, International Women’s Day is a catalyst for change, sparking conversations, fostering awareness and mobilizing efforts to empower women globally. It must transcend mere celebration and rather be a crucial platform for reflection, advocacy and action. This International Women’s Day, let’s come together and pledge to transmute all the challenges and trials into opportunities and shape a better future for all!
