[Tara Taku]
In 1917, against the backdrop of war, on 22 February (8 March as per the Gregorian calendar) a massive strike and protest in Russia by women for ‘bread and peace’ happened as the first International Women’s Day.
On 8 March, 1975, the UN officially recognised this day and christened it International Women’s Day (IWD).
It celebrates the achievements of women in socioeconomic, cultural, political, and other allied fields. But sadly, tomorrow when you guys will be taking the centre stage amid huge fanfare, there will be millions of women picking the rags. Millions will be dying of hunger and diseases, and for want of food and medicines. Lakhs of women would be getting molested, raped and trampled by the lustful male-dominated society.
Are our women really happy in their daily life? How much of political, socioeconomic and cultural independence have our women got over the decades?
There are millions more women seeking liberation physically and mentally. Pseudo-secular parties like the SP, the Congress and the RJD do not even support 33 percent reservation for women in the assembly and Parliament seats; then what contributions can our male-run society expect from our women?
Our close neighbouring state, Nagaland had to sacrifice a sitting chief minister for the sake of 33 percent reservation for women in local body elections. As someone has taught the society, as per the holy Bible, woman was created by god to assist man, not to lead the society.
Today, many countries are led by women as presidents and prime ministers. Many industries and factories are run by women. Women have reached space and men are bragging about pedalling bicycles. The achievements of late Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams cannot be ignored. Their names deserve to be scribbled with golden letters.
But, having said that, we in the pseudo-peaceful ‘land of khusi khusi’ state called Arunachal, need to introspect. There are various talking points among our women achievers. Some are doing exceptionally good. But under the garb of economic independence, we have seen many ruined houses, shattered families and painful divorces, where women played roles bigger than their dreams by indulging in Boli, gambling, 10 percent interest business, and unethical business of selling soul and body in commercially viable markets just for a few more bucks.
Hence, tomorrow, 8 March, when IWD is celebrated, I would appeal to every right thinking woman to pledge that they take their younger ones to new heights through true ladders and teach them to refrain from selling chastity, and inspire them to believe in dignity of labour.
Remember your mother, who spent sleepless nights for you; your wife, who changed herself for you; your sister, who was your best friend; and daughters who loved you more than your sons could.
Therefore I am wishing every woman a happy and successful International Women’s Day in the true sense. [Dr Tara Taku is nodal officer (training), National Health Mission.]
