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"Man can never be a woman's equal in the spirit of selfless service with which nature has endowed her"..... Mahatma Gandhi
Introduction: The entire world is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, with the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’. It must be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society. What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children. In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right.
Empowering women: Violence against women is a vicious oppressive cycle that emerges from and reinforces dire gender inequalities and keeps women in a subordinate position. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, violence against women has increased in the past decade. In any case, it indicates the continuing presence of misogyny in our society, which we must address from the root causes. Empowering women and girls is crucial for creating a just and equal society free from gender-based violence. Yet, despite some progress in recent years, there are still many challenges that we need to overcome to ensure that the girl child has equal access to nutrition, healthcare and education. And that woman has equal economic opportunities and access to well-being in their homes, public spaces and the world of work. Empowering women and girls is essential for creating a more just and equal society.
Inspire Inclusion: This year's campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities. One of the key pillars of Inspire Inclusion is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles. By championing inclusion, organisations and communities can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to better decision-making and innovation. Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, individuals and organisations can create opportunities for women to thrive. By providing support and resources, women can be empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
Conclusion: "Women" is a strong term. It's charming because it reflects love, care, nourishment, obligations, responsibilities, strength, eternity, maternity and so on. A woman is the mirror of the society. When she is marginalised, it is oppressed; if she is brought up, society is brought up; if she is strengthened, it is empowered. A woman is like a society atom, without which nothing would be there. She maintains culture and customs and brings them out. She's the one who cares about her husband and his family. In other words, she creates everything in society. It’s time we realise the importance of gender equality and start working towards providing equal opportunities and respect to women. The encouraging fact is that more than ever before, today’s young women have more choices and control in their lives. The fostering of a woman’s self-worth and decision-making power is important so that she has complete control over her own life inside and outside the home. The young and energetic women of our society are leaving no stone unturned to prove themselves to the world and despite many hurdles are achieving more than their male counterparts.
“Women are the real architects of society”. – Harriet Beecher stowe
Rev. Fr. C. Joseph,
Counsellor-St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous)
Jakhama, Kohima