In many writings, a woman is described as the pillar of the society . We know it is indeed the truth as women’s active involvement in almost every aspect of our lives. International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8^th March every year commemorating the existence of women and appreciating their achievements. This year’s theme for the day is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, which urging actions regarding five key aspects that affects women around the world which are: Human rights related to women, ending poverty, implementing gender responsive financing, shifting to a green economy and care society, and supporting feminist change-makers. 

No matter what country or culture it is, the history speaks of  women who have been queens that ruled, warriors that led wars and mothers who advised and nurtured the children. Yet social, cultural, and religious restrictions that had fell upon them, had limited them to the sphere of home for decade while being treated as almost secondary to men. In 1900s, their discovery of their passions and the right to have a career, right to have a say in politics and to have an individualistic space their own brought out the feminist movement which eventually granted the women the right to vote as well as right to be professionally successful. However, in the 21^st century, women living in different geographical areas are still facing many challenges. Low pays , unfulfilled sanitary conditions, poverty, culture specific restrictions, lack of support for business, unsuitable living conditions and many more challenges can be listed out.  Above every challenge, lack of recognition, understanding and respect given for the efforts and achievements of women as well as the attempts to limit women professionally and socially causes more dissatisfactions in women of 21^st century. Being a woman is indeed challenging in 2024 where the expectations are high for them while the support given is comparatively low. Women’s plight to live a quality life need to be addressed and sufficiently discussed specially on a day such as international women’s day. 

Hence on the women’s day 2024, the world needs to change the perspective it had been practicing for over centuries and acknowledge the equal existence and capabilities of women. Supporting women to achieve their dream and live a quality life ensures the future of the society, as she who holds the society together would be living a life that she deserves and supporting her family. As the saying goes, there ought not to be a single day for women’s day but everyday is a day of struggles for every woman in every corner of the world and it is the responsibility of everyone to give the respect and support she deserves as a human being and as the pillar of the society.

Written by: Rtr. Venuri Wedage

Graphic design by: Rtr. Sathmi Dinanja