Celebrating A Women's Individuality

If you carry a torch for gender equality and empowerment of women, people are quick to point out that you are a feminist. But this issue is a deep rooted problem which must be tackled. The government on one hand is working towards the upliftment of women, but a certain group of people in the society are holding others back.

Women of the 21^st century have come a long way compared to their sisters in the past, who were an oppressed class. Today’s women are these multi-tasking beings, an avatar of Goddess Durga herself. Celebrating these qualities in a woman the world celebrates International Women’s Day every 8^th of March. This day is a celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards a woman and also their political and social achievements. The original political and human rights theme of International Women’s day that was designed by the UN was a political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide.

But there are other horrific tales to tell.  Girl infanticide is still prevalent in India. According to a recent report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) up to 50 million girls and women are missing in India's population as a result of systematic sex discrimination. It is shocking to think that a country which worships the female spirit from time immemorial would take part in such a heinous crime. Dowry is another evil custom still practiced in many parts of India. Women are killed and tortured for money. These are only two examples to mention out of the other sexual, physical and mental tortures against women.

The empowerment of women is not only about gender equality, but about the basic rights that they have been denied for centuries. The women of today need to step out of the dictatorial rule of this male dominated society. They need to understand their potential, their individuality and their power because they are the foundation that builds a society.