Like every year, the world will celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. Every organization, institute, school and college will be showcasing women’s achievements in numerous fields, not forgetting the beautiful and exhortative speeches on women’s rights and their empowerment. Some women may probably be felicitated for their contributions to society or for being at par with men. Yes, women have out performed men in many domains. But fortunately or unfortunately, women’s day is celebrated just one day; the rest of the 364 days are ‘men’s’ days. Just glance through the headlines in any local or national newspaper. There is not a single day when no crime is committed against women. Talking in the Indian context, we have interminable rape cases, molestations, acid attacks and cases of domestic violence. Can just one day of celebration heal all the wounds of pain and agony on women? Or is it just to pacify women to ignore and forget the atrocities they have faced? As I write I feel deep pain to mention that no scholarship scheme or award can make a woman feel safe. In the truest sense, women’s day will only have meaning if the government comes up with the most stringent laws to cease all crimes against women and women are able to live freely without an ounce of fear. And the day when this happens there will be no need to celebrate women’s day but we will have everyday as ‘human’s day’!
Ambrin Beig , Mapusa
