International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day for celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.On March 08, the world honours women and their accomplishments in a variety of disciplines. For both men and women, it is a day to advance gender equality globally by appreciating the invaluable roles women we know personally play as mothers, sisters, wives, coworkers, and friends.
Doubtless, we have come a long way from the age when women were persecuted and burnt at the stake, being branded as witches. Go back further and you learn that around 2000 years ago, the Roman law gave a man life and death authority over his wife.
Closer home, Indian women have endured their share of violence and injustice for years. But today, there is reason for cheer. There are more women stepping out into the world across their threshold. Young girls from small towns and villages are moving to big cities, choosing to pursue higher studies or carve their careers in diverse fields, and buy property and vehicles on their own. This was virtually unheard of 50 years ago in the era of our mothers and grandmothers.
Let us also clap for notable strides in women’s rights through increased representation in local governance, improved maternal health, and initiatives promoting education and economic empowerment.
But, is it all smooth sailing for the women of today? Far from it. Big challenges related to social norms and safety persist. Women face safety challenges including violence (domestic, sexual assault, harassment), inadequate infrastructure and unsafe workplace and cases of delayed justice at all levels.
Societal challenges abound in the form of dowry practices, and limited career opportunities, disparities in education and healthcare, most of which are rooted in patriarchal societal norms and require addressing through legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and societal shifts.
The average woman may still prefer to keep her mouth zipped and shoulder her lot rather than open it and face retaliation and repercussions.
But all said and done, it is a matter of pride to be a woman today, as
❖ Empowerment is no longer sniggered at and business establishments of all sizes are more than aware of the contribution of women employees and empathetic to their needs.
❖ In educational institutions, there are legal policies and a structured frameworks in place for girl students to advance their studies.
❖ Women are increasingly joining the panchayat and similar local bodies in leadership roles to protect women’s rights.
❖ Maternal mortality rate (MMR) has decreased considerably between 2014 – 2020 as per available stats.
❖ Enrolment of women in STEM fields has grown, and there are initiatives to promote digital inclusion.
❖ There is increased representation of women in traditionally male-dominated fields like police and defence.
❖ Women are taking up entrepreneurial roles successfully.
These gorgeous souls from the entertainment world spoke to Camongo (Radium) on the International Women’s Day’25 –
Sreeja Dutta – Hello, everyone, and here’s wishing you all a very Happy Women’s Day. Having been brought up by my mother, who’s a single parent, I think I have seen what strong, empowered women are really like. My mother has not only provided for me but has looked into each aspect of my life, taking care of my smallest needs while putting her own one’s as secondary. I am full of respect of such amazing women who are around all of us. I wish each woman happiness and strength, not only on Women’s Day but also the ones to follow. May womanhood come away victorious in each battle. Happy Women’s Day once again!
Big thanks to Camongo and Radium for making my day beautiful in your unique way.
Aradhana Chatterjee – Happy Women’s Day to all women! Whenever a woman chooses to follow her dream, she automatically inspires so many others around her. For me, women’s empowerment is not simply the courage to chase a big dream but also the courage to take your own decisions, to live by your own terms. More often than not, societal norms decide what a “good girl” should be like, what she should or should not do. It is so important to remember that any woman, before she takes on a societal role – wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend – is first and foremost, a woman. Don’t limit her to simply a role. Don’t expect her to be perfect in it all the time. Don’t expect her to emerge successful on all days. Let her voice her heard. Let her lead her life the way she wishes. Let her choose the path she wants to follow. That’s empowering her in the truest sense.
Many thanks to Camongo and Radium for reaching out and wishing me on IWD’25 so sweetly!
Susmita Chatterjee – To all the incredible women, today we celebrate you! Your strength, resilience, and determination inspire us all. You are the backbone of our families, our communities, and our societies. We honour your achievements, support your aspirations, and stand with you in solidarity. Happy Women’s Day! May your voice be heard, your dreams be realized, and your spirits continue to shine!
Somlata Acharyya Chowdhury – Wishing all, and specially women, a very Happy Women’s Day. May we continue to move ahead, overcoming obstacles and barriers, and claiming our own achievements.
Thank you so much, Camongo and Radium, for your lovely gesture on IWD’25.
With inputs from Neha Karmakar and Nilankur Ganguly
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