We give birth to Generations! We create!

While it is true that some companies and organizations may use International Women's Day as an opportunity to market their products or services, the true meaning and purpose of the day are to celebrate women's achievements, promote gender equality, and raise awareness about women's issues. It is also important to note that while progress has been made in advancing women's rights and equality, women around the world still face significant challenges such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. International Women's Day provides an opportunity to highlight these issues and mobilize support for efforts to address them. Instead of just showing sympathy, the day can be used to educate oneself and others about women's issues, to support women's rights and empowerment, and to take action towards gender equality. It is a day to celebrate the progress that has been made towards gender equality, but also to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to ensure that women can fully realize their rights and potential. International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th every year to honour and recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. The idea of having a day to celebrate women's achievements and promote gender equality emerged in the early 20th century, during a time of significant social and political changes.

The first observance of International Women's Day was in 1911, organized by the Socialist Party of America in New York. However, the idea of celebrating Women's Day on March 8th originated in 1917 when a group of women in Russia organized a strike to demand better working conditions and suffrage rights. The strike began on March 8th, and the date became a symbol of women's resistance and struggle for their rights. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized March 8th as International Women's Day, and since then, it has been celebrated globally as a day to promote women's rights, gender equality, and empowerment. Each year, the day is marked by various events, campaigns, and initiatives that aim to raise awareness about women's issues and celebrate their achievements.

Women in India face a wide range of challenges and struggles, many of which are rooted in social, cultural, and economic factors. Here are some of the key issues that women in India's face:

1. Gender-based violence: Women in India are at high risk of gender-based violence, including rape, domestic violence, acid attacks, and honour killings. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, a crime against women is reported every three minutes in India. The patriarchal attitudes, lack of awareness and inadequate legal enforcement contribute to the prevalence of such crimes.
2. Discrimination: Women in India often face discrimination in education, employment, and access to healthcare. Many girls are denied access to education due to poverty, cultural beliefs, or early marriage. Women are also often paid less than men for the same work and are underrepresented in leadership positions across industries.
3. Child marriage: Child marriage is still prevalent in some parts of India, particularly in rural areas. Early marriage deprives girls of their childhood and can lead to negative health outcomes, limited education, and early pregnancy.
4. Female infanticide and feticide: Despite legal bans, female infanticide and feticide (sex-selective abortion) still occur in some parts of India. The preference for male children is deeply ingrained in many communities, leading to a gender imbalance in the population.
5. Lack of access to healthcare: Women in India often face limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. This can lead to poor health outcomes, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth.
6. Dowry system: Dowry system in India is prevalent where the groom's family demands money or other valuables from the bride's family as a condition of marriage. This system puts enormous financial pressure on the bride's family, leading to exploitation and harassment.

Women living in different parts of India, whether in urban or rural areas,  face different challenges and issues. For example, women in rural areas may face challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, as well as gender-based violence and discrimination. On the other hand, women in urban areas may face challenges such as sexual harassment, unequal pay, and limited representation in leadership roles. It is important to acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by women in different parts of India and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all women. This can be achieved through education, awareness campaigns, policy changes, and by promoting gender equality and women's empowerment at all levels.

My message to the young women today:

1. Belief in yourself: You are capable of achieving great things, no matter what obstacles you face. Believe in your abilities and never give up on your dreams.
2. Embrace diversity: Our differences are what make us unique and beautiful. Embrace diversity and be open to learning from people with different backgrounds and experiences.
3. Advocate for yourself: Speak up for yourself and your rights. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want and need, whether it's at school, work, or in your personal life.
4. Pursue your passions: Follow your passions and do what you love. Whether it's in your career or your personal life, pursuing what makes you happy will lead to a fulfilling life.
5. Be a change-maker: Use your voice and your skills to make a positive impact on the world. Whether it's through activism, volunteering, or creating positive change in your community, you have the power to make a difference.
6. Take care of yourself: Self-care is important for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Prioritize self-care and take time to recharge and care for yourself.

Women have indeed been an inspiration to the world throughout history and will likely continue to be so in the future. Women have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, arts, politics, and social justice. They have demonstrated resilience, strength, and courage in the face of adversity, and have fought for their rights and the rights of others. Despite facing many challenges and obstacles, women have persisted and achieved great things. Their accomplishments have paved the way for future generations of women to follow in their footsteps and continue to make positive contributions to society. Therefore, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women to our world, and to continue to support their efforts towards achieving equality and empowerment. By doing so, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

If you want to support a woman, assist her in identifying and realising her dreams.  Your posts on social media today won't help her in any way. Instead, fund her ideas, educate her or motivate her into doing whatever she plans. Let's pledge to do that this year!