A mutually favored discussion topic by people all over the world would definitely be that of Women – Bubbly, Leggy, Demure, Racy, Adventurous, Girlish, Boisterous or Flirtatious! Men love to know and women always yearn to intro-discover. 

Why? Well, it gives a chance to the guys to maybe catch that detail which will give them the much needed edge. And ladies just plainly desire to hear and speak about themselves and their genre as this simple act of sharing enriches her well of knowledge and makes her female heart Happy! Happy! Happy! Children are drawn to women while animals too naturally veer towards a feminine entity as they pick up their nurturing, emphatic vibes.

So in a Man’s World, March 8 lets us draw attention to the female species with all of her complexities! Does one expect that these 24 hours will wrong all rights? No, of course not…but it’s a step in this ongoing fight.

The one accomplishment is here to see – International Woman’s Day (IWD) is widely renowned, way beyond a Hallmark fantasy! It is a global phenomenon honored by most countries around the world including some Islamic states. The day is an official holiday in Albania, Brazil, China, Cuba, Italy, Israel, Laos, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Vietnam, and many more…

The reason IWD has much clout is due to the fact that it was political by nature to begin with and then it slowly transformed into a more social amalgamation of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Its actual essence however is to address the economic, political and social achievements of women worldwide while trying to identify top priority problems and address them.

With very specific aims drawn out each year, for International Women’s Day 2009, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has pointed out that Specific Health-Care needs of women are often ignored or insufficiently taken into account, especially in war situations. While armed conflicts and other violence affect entire communities, women are particularly at risk of rape and other forms of sexual violence – a very topical issue indeed. In fact, in Pakistan working women celebrate International Women’s Day every year to commemorate their ongoing struggle for due rights, despite facing many cultural and religious restrictions.

Ok, but if we return to the universal basics…Popular psychology journals claim that Women Co-operate and Men Compete. This is evident from a very young age when toddlers of both sexes demonstrate behavior typical to their genders. It’s not a mystery, which approach is needed in today’s difficult times. Cooperation builds while Competition breaks apart and destroys. Some lucky ones may emerge successful in the latter system but the Universal Laws emphasize progress of entire existence and not individual Achievers.

Secondly, what are the images that conjure up in your mind when you think ‘Woman”? Yes, be honest… blinking shy eyes, soft delicate skin, lilting gentle voice, and emphatic, understanding ways. Some may have been subjected to certain other traits such as nagging, tantruming and endless tears but these are not typical traits to be taken too seriously! But all of the traits that make a woman memorable are what make her the fairer sex. In times where sex roles are overlapping and confused, it is the women who have risen to the challenge and conquered the home and office.

Naturally, she is meant to be cared for and protected from the harsh world so that she may shield all the values that she brings with her to impart to her offspring. An ancient perception I know, but no doubt the basic truth. But today when men and women are not restricted to their traditional roles, it is quite evident that it is the female race that has proven itself in all fields. She’s still the one who keeps the family together and tops the merit lists. She’s recognized as a competent professional while she also puts her family first on a daily basis.

Plus, it is no co-incidence that March 8th is also celebrated as the first spring holiday, considered the first day of the spring season – a time for the blooming of fresh ideas and new beginnings. Let’s take the first step and change our vantage point when it comes to the woman in our life and do something towards finding hope for today’s girl, tomorrow’s woman. She’s counting on you…

Happy Woman’s Day!

Note : This write-up has been authored by Barkha Prabhakar, who is a Guest Author at Umennet.

Barkha is a Communications Professional of 8 years with a penchant for writing that has supported her all the way!

With a Masters degree in English Literature, a true writer at heart, she claims that “Word play tickles me!”.

She has a keen interest in issues surrounding the youth, women, relationships, spiritualism and social values. Though Barkha specialises in business communication, she has recently delved into the area of freestyle feature writing with the aim to make an impact on society at large.

A small town girl at heart, life has fed her a slice of street smartness and practicality, making her not so quick to judge people or situations anymore. Barkha’s sheer outspokeness aptly projects her liberated and unrestrained nature through her candid and witty writing style!