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Come March 8 and every year the day is celebrated the world over as International Women's Day and this is one such day that declares and affirms not only the rights of women but also their righteousness. It was the second International Socialist Women's Conference held at Copenhagen on 27th August 1910 that decided to celebrate March 8 every year as International Women's Day.
The day March 8 was officially chosen to commemorate the historical march in New York in which thousands of women workers participated seeking the right to vote and to restrict working time to eight hours. The historical struggle took place on March 8 in the year 1908 and the celebration of this day is a tribute to those who tirelessly fought for women's rights. It is because of their united and untiring struggle that won them what they deserved.
Initially, the International Women's Day celebrations were attended only by the women of working class. But today, women from every section of society, throughout the world, regard this day as one of their very own. And the stand of the Indian counterparts are no different either.
From being confined to the kitchen the women in India have come a long way and have rather assertively made their presence felt in almost all walks of social life in the country. Today, the modern Indian woman is enlightened enough to declare her preferences and to take decisions with oozing confidence.
"The political and social awareness of Indian woman gets reflected in a most unique manner in which they participate and celebrate occasions such as these", opines Sunitha, a Thiruvananthapuram based media activist. And there are many more who endorse such a view. Today womenfolk have become quite emphatic in their approach to life and a paradigm shift has taken place in their attitude and philosophy of life.
For socialists and feminists alike, this day is an occasion to take pledge and rededicate their activities by addressing issues such as gender oppression and sexual abuse. Today, women from all walks of life like socialist parties, working women's associations and others celebrate the day with equal enthusiasm, reasserting their social, political and economic rights.
International Women's Day is also an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for gender equality and development. Thanks to the tireless exertions of their predecessors, the women in India, of late, have garnered enough confidence to face the world and that too with a smile.
In India, International Women's Day is celebrated with discussions, rallies and meetings and it has come to be recognized as an occasion for women from all regions, irrespective of their linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, to come together to celebrate their Day with pride.
- SUNIL
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