Women's day

Every year we celebrate international women's day. It is good that we celebrate those women who have achieved something in the fields of science, business, sports or politics. We even talk about the empowerment of the weak and downtrodden women but in reality nothing really changes. Women are accountable for the majority of unpaid labour, they do not get equally paid for equal work, they are subjected to sexual abuse at workplace and domestic violence at home, they are more likely to dropout from school or leave job to take care of their family members. Women do not get equal opportunities for education, employment or even reproductive rights. They become child brides, often married off to their rapist. They may be harassed for dowry or abused physically, mentally or economically at home. They are subjected to body shaming or other comments. In USA, their reproductive rights are endangered, in India, harassment for dowry, in vast majority of developing countries, they do not have access to education, around the world, they are subjected to harassment. Female foeticide or the abandonment of new born girls is also uncontrollable. They walk miles to collect potable water facing hardships and dangers. Religious laws are used first to curb the freedom of women. Just celebrating women's day is not enough unless actual meaningful work is done to uplift the women. Not just the laws but their implementation is required. But more than law, a change in attitude towards girls and women in needed. Where the subject is demand for equality, just celebrating on one day is not enough. Real work, all 365 days of the year is required.