In India, female infanticide is still a harsh reality, the girl child and women even in the present day are vulnerable to be caught in a net of skewed societal framework. Though the women are today taking great strides and reaching the pinnacle of success, they are a minuscule percentage in comparison to the population of women, the world over. I am sure you too along with me have been a witness to these glaring differences, so prevalent in our society even today.
Celebrations galore when a boy is born, while a girl’s birth is deemed a curse!
Boys are gifted cars and aeroplanes for birthdays, while its always dolls and kitchen set for the little girls.
If a boy cries, he is rebuked, “Boys don’t cry. They are strong. Only girls cry!” Are their tears different from the girls ? Boys are molded to be strong and the girls are branded a weaker lot, since childhood.
Its always the girl’s duty to help mama in the kitchen and never the boy’s!
Throughout the growing up years, a stark difference in the attitude of parents and society in general is observed in suppressing the girl from progressing to her full potential.
Nothing much changes when they grow into a man and woman.
A man in shorts is cool but a women in a short skirt is sexy!!
When a man chills out at a late night party it is sociable, but the equation changes for a woman, questioning her character.
In the heinous crime of rape, fingers are pointed only at the traumatized woman. They talk about woman empowerment. But is she safe even in her own home?
A widowed woman is considered an omen of bad luck for an auspicious function and stopped from partaking in the rituals, but nobody questions a widower.
Why is a man always right and “she” is always at fault?
Today the social media is abuzz with the Women’s Day celebrations. Restaurants, shops, hospitals, salon’s all of them are offering attractive discounts to make women feel special. But other than this day, is she really considered special? How justified is it to celebrate Women’s Day?
Let her bloom, to spread smiles
Let her flap her wings, to soar high in the sky,
Let her shine like the moon, to radiate a luminous glow,
Let her follow her dreams, to be an equal,
Let her be a blessing, a gift from god,
For she loves, cares and nurtures!
I hope we do see a new dawn when it is ” A happy women’s day” in its truest sense.
Happy Women’s Day!
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Thank you Abhay!
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Radhika, thank you for such an exquisite post , sharing it with the Universe.
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Many thanks Cornelia. I know things are better in the western countries. Though India is a very progressive nation, we still have to tread miles before women are treated equally as men. Spread smiles and stay blessed 💖
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Powerful words Radhika! Women in many countries are still at the mercy of patriarchal and parochial societies but mothers and mother-in laws are equally responsible for this attitude, which is embedded in the minds of children at an impressionable age. The day women stop victimising each other and treat their daughters with respect will this discrimination against them will cease.
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Very well said Balroop! When a mother stands up for her daughter/ daughter in law, it will pave the way for a more dignified and respected life for a woman. Many thanks for sharing your feelings here. Have a wonderful and happy day!!
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I totally, totally agree with your post! A few years ago, I had written an article along similar lines, Radhika… “Happy” women’s day just bothers me because it’s almost like the celebration of denial… People see but turn a blind eye to how unhappy the woman is… If we get to quoting instances, it may take forever… The only thing I agree with is the celebration of womankind… But then again, if that is celebrated for a day in the whole year, what good is it? This is not a day to be celebrated, it is a goal to be achieved. Make the women truly happy and then celebrate a Happy Women’s Day…
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A celebration of denial…..how well you’ve put it across Isha. Womanhood is such a beautiful journey, which blossoms well in an environment of love, equality, security and respect. She deserves this all through her life, not just one day. Happy that you too feel so strongly about it. ❤️
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I second that! Wonderful post for today… Thanks to you!❤
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Stay happy and blessed!!
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You too 😊
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Where all celebrating women’s day. Radhika you have raised important points. Beautiful post and true celebrations when things are sorted !!
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Yes, hopeful to see that in the near future. Thanks Tanvir !
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Things are changing though the rate of change is slow!! Happy International Woman Day and wishing for a quantum change!!
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Thanks Sunil. The change unfortunately is happening at snail’s pace. Hoping to see brighter days for women soon, the world over!👍
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Very true!
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So true ma’am.. 👍👍
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Thanks Prasad!
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This one’s a powerful post dear friend, we’re craving for change to come.
Blessings xx
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Thanks Soiba. Hoping and praying for happier and more secure days for women❤️
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Your thoughts resonate with mine Radhika! I share the same feelings about the injustices that women experience. I truly hope for a better future, one with freedom & safety among other things.
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Amen to that Divya. Thank you so much 😊
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Hppy women’s day! Infanticide is very real!
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Sadly yes! Thanks Rishhu!
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You have voiced the thoughts of many women , Radhika. The poem was really awesome.
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Thanks Sudalai!
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Happy Womens Day!
Although infanticide is real however our country has made a remarkable progress in overcoming from such harsh realties, we have so many examples wherein women leading in every nook & corner of country. Change will happen but good things will take time and i hope the scenario will completely change soon in our country too.👍😇
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Agree with you Prashant. Change has definitely been initiated. I don’t want to sound a pessimist. But even today in educated families too, I have seen differences in raising a son and a daughter. Also the scenario in rural India is far from encouraging. A woman is slowly emerging out of centuries of suppression. While it does gladden my heart to read about the success of some women, I hope to see all women treated at par and given equal opportunities. Thanks so much for having a positive attitude that things will change for the better 🙂
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Beautifully expressed!
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Thanks Ashrita!
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A sad reality but written so well. Happy Women’s Day to you.
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Gosh, what a repressed way to bring up a child. The inequality is so glaring Radhika. I didn’t know about this, so glad to brought it up.
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Though the situation in urban India is changing, we have a long way to go before the rural areas too show a progressive growth in terms of equality and education for girl child.
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Unfortunately that’s how we’ve created our world Radhika, a world of male dominance, and if we don’t change it soon then it doesn’t matter to even have a single day about women. However, if we can change it then we won’t need this special day because then, every day will be special one for women. Happy Women’s day 🙂
I also wrote something for women on my blog. Here the link if you want to check it out. https://rajatspeaksblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/08/women-day-words/
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I hope the second choice of yours becomes a reality. Thanks Rajat for stopping by. Will check your post shortly!!
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It’s truly said by you the real scenarios of the present situations.
I really hope that it gets balanced one day.
Happy Women’s Day, Radhika. 💖☺
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Many thanks Sumit. Yes, believing that it will and hoping that it will be soon!
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very wise post well written, the celebration is a farce until real equality is addressed!
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Exactly Kate!
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I don’t take part for that reason, it’s merely tokenism …
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Agree!!
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Very beautifully penned, Radhika. The harsh realities of life of a woman ..Well done 👍
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Thanks Deepika!
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🌹🌹🌹🌹
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🙂🙂
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Every word is true.
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Glad you agree Rupali!
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That is a very insightful post. You have very beautifully written what is happening. I love the verse you have penned. You are truly a poetess with a beautiful heart. My braveheart.
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Sending a big thank you dear Yasmin for your constant encouragement and appreciation. Means a lot ❤️
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Welcome 🤗, Radha. A very happy Nari day to you 💖😜
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Aapko bhi. Dhanyawad 🙏
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👏🏻👍
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Powerful words Radhika. You are correct in saying that today the women are getting their chance in the society to prove themselves and fight for the equal rights but the percentage is very minuscule. We are slowly and surely progressing towards the day where there is no need to dedicate a single day to celebrate the womanhood.
Because each day will be celebrated just as there is no Men day ever celebrated.
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Absolutely Megha. I am so glad that finally she is able to break free from the shackles of suppression and emerge forward. But to see all the women able to exercise their choice and live a life that they desire is my dream!
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Yes that’s a golden dream for our gender.
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👍🙂
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A sad reality but written so well.
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Thanks Sadaf!
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Your words resonate the shortcomings of the society we live in, Radhika. I had the pleasure of giving a talk to a small group of ten-year-old’s this week. I came back happy over the fact that both the boys and girls participated and were equally knowledgeable. I say I was happy because a similar talk that I gave to a bigger group of 13-year-olds in Kerala last time got only a few giggles from the girls who seemed too shy to answer where as the boys jumped up and were carefree. It was worrying and it left me wondering. I am not sure if it is the age or the way they are brought up or the fact that bigger girls are ‘expected’ to behave ‘big’ and mature.
I hope that this change happens and we put a start to it.
I hope your words reach out every daughter’s mothers who can slowly and gradually bring about the change that is much necessitated than loads of ‘Happy Women’s day ‘ messages.
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Like you rightly said, the upbringing at home is the first step where we can make a difference in driving home the point that gender bias is unfair. Hopefully the young children growing up today will be equal peers tomorrow , diluting this inequality. Thanks P for always sharing your insights in my space. Appreciate them❤️
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*Happy International women’s Day…*
Being a male I am happy to wish you beautiful, safe and happy life… 🙂
With all respect, I would like to say….
” I know God Exists because you Exist…”🙏
Keep Smiling, be happy… 🙂
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Thank you so much for such heartfelt best wishes my friend. Happiness and regards sent your way🙂
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I have tried to words in a post on this I think you will love to read… ” Happy Women’s Day, Today and Every day…” with the following link…
https://lifebeyondimagination16.wordpress.com/2018/03/08/equality/?preview=true
🙏
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Will check it out!
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Sorry I’m late, but HWD and yes, I second every word you’ve written!
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Glad you agree Kunal. Thanks!!
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Outstanding post
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Thanks 🙂
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