March 8th-International Woman's Day.. SO WHAT?!?!

For starters… March 8th is celebrated every year throughout the world as International Woman’s Day. Suddenly on this day, you read, you hear, you see almost the same thing everywhere… ‘The Woman’ being praised, praised, and praised; and the so-called upliftment of woman, and by the end of the day it's all over. The next time anyone comes across a similar matter is on the next International Woman’s Day.

1. Every Woman's Day, I think about this same notion of subtle marginalisation. If a specific day must be dedicated to women, how does this further the cause of gender parity? How is the cause furthered by recognising women as a special interest group whose needs must be taken into consideration, much like patients with a deadly illness? And let us not even talk about the special offers and pink balloons. Is it just down to a marketing gimmick now? How about we talk about equal pay instead?

2. There has always been a great amount of discussion on working women and how it is in opposition to their patriarchal, socially defined, and customary duty of raising a family. Well, to begin with, I have never understood how patriarchy was able to maintain the illusion that making money was a more important role than building a home. Next, in this age and times, a woman is glorified as a superwoman when she earns the money, handles the home and family. Why is she expected to do so? Why can't she be just a woman and not a superwoman? 

YES, there are women who are still enslaved in the most primitive manner around us, in our families and apartment complexes, but what does this day mean to them? Do we make a complaint when we hear domestic abuse across our house? Do we stand up to that one lady who is being bullied in the apartment WhatsApp group? Instead of celebrating it on one single day with posters, essay competitions, and speeches with guests of honour being remarkable ladies, it’s better to treat HER on par every day, respect her every day.

So, all the women out there… stand up and realize that God created you and the man on par.

And all the men out there… respect and treat the women around you equally. After all,

‘WE CREATE THE WORLD TOGETHER!!!!’

Edit in 2025: This is not my usual style of writing. But when I read it, I recognise the rage in the younger Lakshmi. Well, the rage is the same.