Anjana Sriram's Weblog

Yes! It's International Women's Day (March 8th). A universal day for all women around the world to celebrate. It endows them with a sense of honor, dignity and self respect for being the person that they are. This day marks a celebration of the economic, social, cultural and political achievements made by women over the years.

In India, women have been tormented and subjugated throughout all times and ages. Indian women have fought their way through exploitation, harassment, and have managed to secure their rights in the public domain. In spite of continuing exploitation and injustice against women both in the domestic and work sector today, several milestones have been achieved in terms of education, freedom of choice and liberty, equality etc.With growing literacy and financial independence women in India feel more empowered today to assert their right to a life of dignity and self worth.

Women in India have, through history, been the victims of a cruel paradox. On the one hand, woman power is celebrated as Shakti - the source of all energy, the life force of the cosmos. Yet, in actual social practice, an oppressive dependence was encouraged as the social norm. Independence of both thought and action were frowned upon, indeed, even prohibited on pain of punishment and ostracisation. Of course, there were exceptional women. They are celebrated in myth and legend, in saga and history, in verse, in music and dance. But the very exceptionally of these women underlines the unfortunate condition of the vast majority of womanhood.

 Indeed a woman’s essence lies in her innate ability to care, love and sacrifice for the other. She plays an all-enveloping character of a mother, daughter, wife and sister as a friend, nurturer, guide and partner from time to time. Emotional and vulnerable, sometimes erratic, sometimes serene, she displays a wonderful range of emotions from being patient to being extremely courageous in times of crisis.

Today’s woman is a blend of traditional values and contemporary style. She is a storehouse of incredible force and brings colors to life. A sublime image of warmth and indomitable strength, she’s someone to be respected, and cherished.

Happy Women's Day to all women around the world!