Is it a happy Women’s Day?

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.