International Women’s Day : Women as Equal Co-travellers on the Path to Progress and Liberation

Once William Shakespeare remarked in ‘Romeo and Juliet’, “A rose by another name, would smell as sweet”. His perceptive power and words remain true for women around the world even now. We may connect the beauty, presence and fragrance of the flowers with the women on this Earth. Women have always loved the fragrances of nature as when the first woman carefully grew the first cultivated plant on the Earth and spread enigmatic fragrance which attracted the bees and birds. Today, lavender is grown prominently in France, with women playing a key role in its cultivation, is a huge component of fragrances and its 2024 market valued at 138 million dollar. In this way, we can see that women are not only spreading fragrances in all walks of life but also contributing in revenue generation. Ancient wisdom also speaks of the glory of the women. Women are daughters of Lilith, inheritors of Kali, reclaimers of Inanna, Mesopotamian Goddess of love and war. Upnishads, Bhagwat Gita, and other spiritual texts emphasize cosmic unity of all human beings and do not differentiate between the sexes.

Recently on 8^th March, the world has celebrated International Women’s Day—a day dedicated to celebrating the, struggles, achievements and progress of women across the world. The idea of an International Women’s Day was first proposed by a German socialist, Clara Zetkin, who was a women’s rights activist. The idea was proposed in 1910 at the International Conference of Working Women. The goal was to create a global day of action to raise awareness of gender inequality and to advocate for social and political change. It is a day to commemorate the contribution of women and honor those women who have paved the way for change, to reflect on the work still to be done, and to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action”, emphasizing the urgency of advancing gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current pace, achieving full gender parity may take until 2158- almost five generations from now. Every year’s theme may vary may vary, but the main objective remains the same: advocating for equal rights, opportunities, , and empowering the women everywhere. Women’s Day is an opportunity for those women who have broken the social norms and gender stereotypes and to celebrate their own accomplishments support gender equality. This particular day provides an opportunity to unite in solidarity, to support women’s voices, and to amplify their impact. The roots of this day trace back to the early 20th century, which was a time when women were raising their voices in order to be heard in the fight for rights such as voting, better working conditions, and the right to education. Since then, Women’s Day has grown and emerged as a global movement, celebrated in the entire world. It’s not just about commemorating past victories but also to make everybody realize that the fight for gender equality is still ongoing and it’s a long way to go. History is an eyewitness that how women have made significant contributions across all walks of life—from politics and activism to science, technology, literature, and the arts. Women like Jane Austen, Emmeline Pankhurst, Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Kamala Harris, Malala Yousafzai, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg have demonstrated immense strength and resilience, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women to succeed.

In every community, women play pivotal roles—whether as mothers, educators, healthcare workers, or entrepreneurs. It is crucial to recognize that women, especially in marginalized communities, continue to struggle against systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

Women’s Day is a call to action for all. The fight for gender equality is not a women’s issue—it is a human issue. It’s about:

• Advocating for equal pay
• Supporting women’s leadership
• Eradicating violence against women
• Expanding access to education
• Recognizing women’s unpaid work

Men, too, play a crucial role in advocating for and supporting women’s rights. Gender equality is not a battle between the sexes but a collective effort to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities, respect, and value in society. Deconstructing patriarchy, therefore, involves reclaiming this reverence and ensuring that women are seen as harbinger of spiritual and social prosperity. Together, we can create a world that celebrates and uplifts the achievements and contributions of women, today and every day. Happy International Women’s Day! The Sanskrit phrase is truly an embarkment of women empowerment that says,

"तेजोमण्डिता उज्ज्वला भवाम्यहं शक्तिः"

"Adorned with lustre and brilliance, I become strength"