International Woman’s Day started hundred years back in 1910 in Copenhagen, Denmark to end poverty and hunger, and inequality among men and women workers. Slowly and gradually this concept spread across the world, and today it covers diverse issues like education, health, women empowerment, equal opportunity among others. At no time all these issues have been denied, but never implemented with the care and concern these deserve. To add woes to injury this day has been heavily commercialized, and the basic objectives have been forgotten.

International Woman’s Day is a western concept, and as such in India many people do not give much importance. It becomes a day to hold meetings for women to express their ire against men folk, and for government agencies to formulate welfare schemes without finding ways to implement them. As a result, the wheel of the concept remains static. The dowry system continues more among the educated and the rich and the poor still continues to sell a part of his paltry property to meet the demands of the family of the bridegroom. Dowry death is still prevalent. Women education remains a distant dream. Government proudly declares to educate the children free up to the age of 14, and the same time several Govt schools are closing down, thereby facilitating the private schools to flinch the poor parents.

The scenario in spite of these blemishes is not bleak. It is here that we worship our mothers, worship goddesses like Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga, even the rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Cuvery and Narmada. It is here we chant, ‘Yatra pujyanti naryah, tatra ramyanti devah’ (Where women are worshipped, there dwell the gods). Very lofty ideas.

Men, whether one believes or not, deep in their hearts are very possessive of their women folk They have fought wars and given their lives to protect their honour. From the ancient times India had many women scholars, singers, writers and thinkers who have played great roles to mould the society. At the same time poverty, illiteracy, superstition and old customs have made the lives of women very miserable. It will be unfortunate and shameful instead of bringing a sea change in our society, if the educated mass looks to the west and damn every Indian customs. It will be a sad day if educated girls are just satisfied with new make-ups, facials, high heels, visiting pubs en mass, take to boozing, and don scanty dresses to compete with or outdo men.

The Women’s Day will be worthwhile if women folk bring happiness in the society, peace at home, love in each heart and spread the fragrance of beauty all over.

‘Boloji’ is proud to have many outstanding women writers in its forum. ‘Boloji’ India extends on this great day its whole-hearted greetings to women of the world!