As I was reflecting on International Women’s Day, I couldn’t help but think of the first woman who ever inspired me: my mom. 🌟 As I was typing away the caption for the Instagram post, I realized how fortunate I am to have her in my life. My mom’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. She pursued her Master’s in Chemistry and later became a professor at a Women’s college.

But her path was far from easy. She didn’t have the basic amenities we often take for granted today. From using a wooden stove to a kerosene stove to finally a gas stove, she cooked our meals every day with precision, knowing that wasting food wasn’t an option. We didn’t own a refrigerator back then. She walked 7 kilometres to work daily, navigating a world where only a handful of women dared to break barriers and work outside their homes.

My mom lived in an era when women’s choices were limited and basic civil rights weren’t guaranteed. The majority of women were expected to be stay-at-home moms. She persevered despite the lack of support and the societal norms stacked against her.

As I celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the immense progress we have made as a society. Yet, I am also acutely aware of the challenges that women continue to face globally.

March is Women’s History Month in the US and Canada. And March 8th is International Women’s Day. 

Why celebrate Women’s Day?

• Celebrate the Legacy of Women: It provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of sung and unsung trailblazers who broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes, worked hard and fought for their rights and advocated to make the world a fairer, more just, and free place. 
• Mark Progress Made: It also provides us with an opportunity to mark the progress we have made as a society.
• Highlight Issues: To highlight the erosion of women’s rights across the world, as well as the effects of gender violence and abuse.
• Educate: It helps us set aside time to educate about inequalities. Awareness is the key here. 

Theme – Inspire Inclusion

This year’s (2024) theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” resonates deeply with me. It’s about breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating environments where all women are valued and respected. 

Basic Rights

In many countries, women still lack fundamental rights like education, inheritance, health, work, and freedom from violence. We must continue advocating for gender equality by educating and addressing these disparities.

Right to Education:

Education is universally acknowledged as a fundamental human right. Yet, countless girls worldwide are denied access due to various barriers such as cultural norms, poverty, early marriage, and inadequate educational facilities. In many communities, girls are not permitted to attend school, or if they do, societal expectations may limit the duration of their education. This restriction severely impedes their ability to secure a livelihood in the future.

My parents worked in the education sector, with my mom as a professor at a women’s college. Through their experiences, I’ve heard numerous stories of girls forced to abandon their bachelor’s programs due to arranged marriages, familial responsibilities such as caring for sick relatives or domestic duties, or financial constraints. Tragically, when families face economic hardships, the girls often bear the brunt, sacrificing their education for the perceived greater good of the family’s financial stability. This misconception perpetuates the cycle of gender inequality and deprives girls of their right to pursue education and fulfill their potential.

Malala Yousafzai: One shining example of resilience and courage in adversity is Malala Yousafzai. Despite enduring threats from the Taliban, she fearlessly advocated for girls’ education in Pakistan. Her unwavering dedication to this cause led to an assassination attempt by the Taliban, which she miraculously survived. Malala’s ordeal is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and standing up for rights. Malala’s bravery and determination inspire us all to take action and uphold the principles of equality and justice for every individual.

Right to Inheritance:

 In traditional Indian families, the birth of a girl often evokes concerns about dowry, as many families struggle to meet the unreasonable dowry demands of the groom’s family. Sadly, in some cases, the dowry system is seen as a means for the girl to inherit her parents’ wealth. However, the reality is often starkly different—she doesn’t receive this inheritance; instead, it goes to her husband’s family.

Across numerous countries, women are routinely denied inheritance rights, with only men and sons being entitled to inherit property. This disparity extends beyond property ownership, affecting women’s access to credit, financing, and opportunities for economic empowerment.

Indian Law on Inheritance  – In India, significant strides have been made towards gender equality in inheritance laws. The Hindu Succession Act of 1956 granted daughters equal rights as sons to inherit ancestral property. The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act of 2005 further strengthened women’s rights by ensuring daughters’ rights in their father’s property. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that inheritance laws can vary depending on individual circumstances, family arrangements, as well as religious and cultural practices. 

Right to Freedom from Violence:

The right to freedom from violence is a fundamental human right that remains elusive for many women and girls worldwide. Gender-based violence encompasses a spectrum of abuses, including domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.

• Domestic violence- Its often perpetrated by intimate partners or family members. It inflicts physical, psychological, and emotional harm on countless women and girls, trapping them in cycles of abuse and fear.
• Sexual assault – Ranging from harassment to rape, violates women’s autonomy and dignity, leaving lasting scars on survivors and eroding their sense of safety and security.
• Human trafficking – It’s a form of modern-day slavery that preys on vulnerable women and girls, subjecting them to exploitation, coercion, and violence for the profit and gratification of others.
• Harmful traditional practices – Female genital mutilation and child marriage rob girls of their autonomy, health, and future prospects, perpetuating cycles of inequality and oppression.

To address gender-based violence, you require the support of the individual, community, and society. We need to enforce laws to protect women and girls, provide accessible support services for survivors, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and promote education and awareness to prevent violence before it occurs. Every woman and girl has the right to live free from violence and fear, and it is incumbent upon all of us to work towards creating a world where this right is fully realized for everyone.

Conclusion:  

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder to continue striving for gender equality and addressing the challenges women face worldwide.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s honour women’s achievements and recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for gender equality. Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. 💪🏽✨

Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.