Posted on linked in March 7 2025
As we approach another Women’s Day celebration filled with a plethora of programs, it’s worth asking: what happens the day after? Does anyone question the necessity of Women’s Day? Are women truly benefiting from the myriad incentives announced?
Women from low-income groups often lack a voice to articulate their issues. Many daily wage earners still face wage disparities, control from alcoholic husbands or other men, and have no pathways to improve their lifestyles. Without sufficient knowledge or skills, they navigate day-to-day life like robots. Shouldn’t political leaders and women’s commissions consider providing centres to help these women better themselves? Why can’t they be offered evening classes, opportunities to complete their schooling and degrees, and access to healthcare?
The situation for middle-class or upper-middle-class women isn’t much better. Earning women are often advised by the men in their households on how to use their money and which careers or jobs to pursue. A colleague once mentioned that if her daughter, who had studied engineering, could get a teaching post, it would be good for her as she could take care of her home. Women too are conditioned to think women need to place family and home as primary responsibilities. Women are constantly told what they can and cannot do. Men in many of these households claim to be liberal and supportive of progress, yet they still unconsciously comment on women’s roles, criticize women who go out on their own, dress differently, or accept positions with unconventional working hours. Women are made to believe that they are the reason for happy homes and must always be next to their husbands. If a woman chooses to stay in a different town or city for her own happiness or career, questions are raised about her decision. On the other hand, no one questions men when they live separate lives for any reason.
It is essential that women are taught that thinking and doing things for themselves is as important as nurturing others. Men, too, need to learn that women are individuals with dreams and should not be confined to roles such as wives, daughters, or mothers. Until we consciously work on these aspects, it won’t matter how many Women’s Days we celebrate—things will not change.