Think Globally And Act Locally For Women

Rev. Fr. Paul Lelen Haokip *

International Women's Day observation organised by United NGOs Mission, Manipur at Tamenglong in 2011 :: Pix - TSE

INTRODUCTION:

Keep it simply Women's Day or highlight their achievements and their plights? International Women's Day is annually held on March 8 to celebrate women's achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women's Rights and International Peace. Women's oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.

A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

INSPIRING CHANGE:

Inspiring Change is the 2014 theme for our internationalwomensday.com global hub and encourages advocacy for women's advancement everywhere in every way. It calls for challenging the status quo for women's equality and vigilance inspiring positive change.

EQUALITY FOR WOMEN IS PROGRESS FOR ALL:

The UN Theme for International Women's Day 2014 is "Equality for Women is Progress for All". If one of the parts of our body is wounded, all the other parts suffer with it. For a healthy body, all the members of the body need sound state of health. When women are treated equally - the social stratum grows and evolves equitably. As long as condemnation and inequality exist for women, the two wings of the human life (man+woman) don't flab equally. For a healthy societal atmosphere, the two lungs of society (man+woman) need to breath properly.

Progress is to be seen as an integrated, holistic and all encompassing phenomenon that affects every aspect of the proceedings of society. In that sense, the word "ALL" will be a true representation of both 'Man and Woman'. Absence of one will mean, incomplete reality of the whole. Progress would mean participation of both 'Man and Woman'. That sounds logical and comprehensive.

PARADOX OF CELEBRATIONS:

Though we claim to have high respect and regard for women, how many schools, colleges, institutions really honour and encourage them on a special day like today? Still the women folk are large sidelined from public meetings and participation in village decision making. Are you not surprise to see a small boy accompanying his sister/aunt when out for work as if he could protect her. That's called protection of the fairer gender.

CONCLUSION:

Whether you like or not, you can't change your mother who is a woman. We dream and strive to achieve international standard treatment for women but that reality begins from our local surrounding - home, market, waiting shed, play ground, school, office and society. You and I can be those active actors to realize fair treatment for women. As we think globally, we need local actors. Hope you are one such noble soul.