Day to realise rights

In the midst of various unique days like Egg Day, Beer Day, Soap Bubble Day, Toilet Day, Propose Day, Sleep Day, Hug Day, it seems like the significance of International Women's Day has somewhat dimmed. Many question why there's a separate day for women, and this debate continues.

Designating March 8th as a separate day for women isn't a new argument. Many consider observing International Women's Day to be crucial, while others argue that the fight for equality, whether at home or outside, requires year-long dedication. But what's the significance of a separate day? To understand the importance of that struggle, every day should be Women's Day. The importance of the fight for equality cannot be measured by one day alone. The extent of inequality needs to be addressed by everyone. Let every day be Women's Day.

However, having a separate day dedicated to women is indeed crucial. Because, without designated time, important tasks often get overlooked. Therefore, having a special day for women is beneficial. It's true that women's roles have changed in modern society; however, has the status of women changed amidst these altered circumstances? Have they gained their rightful rights? To contemplate on these questions, a specific day in our busy lives is necessary.

The boundaries of women's roles and the economic structure have indeed changed. But even in these changed circumstances, the fight for rights remains significant, making International Women's Day even more essential.

The foundation of this day is essential to recognize. If we forget the long struggle women have endured to achieve equality, then it loses its meaning. Whether it's the right to work, the right to equal cooperation, property rights, or voting rights - women have had to fight for each right one after another. The date of March 8th stands as a significant milestone in this prolonged history of struggle. The ongoing battle against various forms of social oppression towards women is not to be denied. Therefore, there is no need to say that the international event to remember the path of struggle does not exist. International Women's Day is not just a day for women; it is a day for all those who oppose patriarchal oppression.

Society is evolving. Women's rights and dignity are increasing in society. From women's rights rallies, the slogan "March 8 calls, down with patriarchy" is echoing louder. However, alongside, some people's misogyny is also increasing. Some argue, "Why has a separate day for women? Don't men also suffer? Are men not abused and oppressed? Do boys' contributions to the family count for less? Then why doesn’t any day for men? We want our day too." They heat up the debate, but they need to understand one thing.

While it may seem that women and men face many similar problems, the consequences are often much harsher for women. Despite progress, there is still a significant disparity between the status of girls and boys. Many girls still feel proud to say, "My birth as a girl brings immense joy. My parents have raised me with as much love as they would a son." However, these successful women often forget that this exception is not the rule. A careful analysis reveals that in the whole animal kingdom, girls are more like spider offspring, consuming their own future progeny with their body. Then, when a hurricane strikes, the dead body is carried away without a trace. But how many people realize this?

In reality, neither boys nor girls are to blame. Many of them probably do not know the history and relevance of this day. And the celebration of clothing has overshadowed that history. Women's Day has now turned into a festival of leaving the clothing stores! Various multinational companies' glossy advertisements!

When Women's Day became a topic of discussion from the state to the corporate world, the history of rights collection, women's oppression, and questions like 'disturbing' discrimination were pushed aside. The question of social and economic rights of women behind Women's Day was cleverly forgotten because social and economic discrimination against girls has not diminished today. No matter what the law says, women still do not get equal pay for equal work. Girls still hesitate to claim their share of property, and recently, in our country, participation of girls in lucrative jobs is decreasing. Extortion, domestic violence, rape, and sexual harassment have not reached a satisfactory level. The problems that were highlighted in girls' lives 30 years ago are still relevant today. The invisible cage for girls is still very much present. Despite so much women's education and awareness programs, women are not fearless. Girls will be harassed; it's like a certainty.

Girls who spoke about gender equality fifteen years ago, are now facing harsh realities. The girl who wakes up before dawn to study, supports her sick father, mother, and three sisters in a remote village, struggles to survive on a meager diet of vegetables and rice, finds Women's Day meaningless to her. She has studied up to the graduation level. What has Women's Day given her? Hunger, darkness, sometimes the threat of harassment by motorcycle riders when returning home! The man who wants to be her lover throws acid on her face, yet what has Women's Day given her? She couldn't even get minimal security from the police station. Instead, the man who threatened her at the police station now threatens her at her home. Her face has been disfigured, now her body. Rape!

Yet Women's Day occurs. The stage is lit with the radiance of sarees and gold ornaments. 'Women in Leadership' is the big topic in corporate circles, social workers, and respected women in society. Undoubtedly, they have earned their place. They also have a fight. But only they have it. They have 'shown'. And those who cannot 'show'? The struggle continues, the smell of soil on their bodies, waiting for another day, when will their hard work be recognized?

Celebrating International Men's Day in opposition to International Women's Day may not necessarily signal the end of men's responsibilities. It shouldn't be. Men should also reflect. After all, the demand of women is essentially the demand to live as humans. Why shouldn't men's demand be the same? Men should also strive not just as empty men, but as humans. If they take more than their fair share of the demand to sustain women, then the realization of humanity itself will be at stake.

Author: Columnist