Today is International Women’s Day and besides the numerous SMSs screaming “Happy Women’s Day” that I have received and read so far, I came across a comment on Facebook that says, “So sad that women need a special day set aside for them. They should just get a life.” So my gal pals and I plan to smack him on his ignorant head and remind him that International Men’s Day is on 19 November.
To others who have forgotten, International Women’s Day is a general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women and to celebrate women's economic, political and social achievements so far. How many of us actually voice our appreciation for our mother for dedicating her life to raise kids on good nutritious food besides the occasional junk that we demanded? And for the years of stress she might have suffered since the time we discovered not just how to peddle a bicycle but also how fast it could go? What about the sisters and daughters who despite good education bend to the rule that they cannot stay out as late as their brothers? Or that she has to learn to handle housework to be prepared for her married life while her husband who managed household chores before marriage suddenly becomes incapable of the same?
To women I ask whether they have ever bothered to sensitize the men in their life about the conditions that women go through even today and even in well-to-do and educated households? Ever discussed a rape reported in the newspaper with husband or a brother? It is easy to ignore that men too are victims of society; a society that teaches them how to treat women. Until we as women do not take responsibility to change the mindset of the men around us, can we honestly afford to wait till they understand?
It is time that we made peace with the fact that men and women are different but equal. Spend at least a few moments today expressing your appreciation to the women in your life. They deserve it!
No comments:
Post a Comment