The History of International Women's Day

The History of International Women's Day

by Aditi Thirani

1909 saw the start of the women's movement where the IWD (International Women's Day) was established. Women went through a lot of bias when it came to wages in industries and they were isolated in all possible ways. They were made to work in the worst of conditions and the pay was depressing. This was the time when trade unions were getting formed and the flame of revolution was lit. And this was the time when un-unionised women got the chance they longed.

Women faced a lot of issues right from voting rights to the rights even in the family. Most of the places came under these issues and then women in Australia started with a campaign for the voting rights of women. Different perspectives clashed with each other as to how these issues are supposed to be handled.

Germany and Russia fought for it as being a necessity in the society. Some fought for the property rights and some managed to get the messages and concerns across. This was a time when the mass movement of women fought against the exploitation working women faced at workplace. Also the violence women faced at home was and is still a big issue for which many prominent people joined hands.

The basic rights like political and economics rights had to be conserved for women. And later in 1910 the social workers and delegates decided in a meeting that Women's day should become an international event. The idea of women all over the world getting politically organised was created quite a stir everywhere. The German Socialist Party had a major influence over the international women's movement and the party had many women rights advocates in place.

Hands in hands with US, German leader Clara Zetkin framed a proposal which said that women throughout the world must observe this day to press on their demands. International women's day was first time honoured on the 19th of March. Over 100 women from around 17 countries had agreed to the proposal. Three of these women were elected as the first women to Finnish Parliament.

Also some other issues were addressed like the maternity benefits. Thus women became more strong and vocal in addressing their opinions. More attention was paid to addressing the common issues faced by women. And after the World War 1, it had been acknowledged globally. 1975 was designated as the International women's Year by United Nation. Women across the world hold this day with great regards and a series of events with respect to it. Film screenings, dramas and programs supporting the cause were seen.

IWD is now an official holiday in Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. This day sees men honouring their wives, daughters and mothers with gifts and flowers. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

The changed have been significant since then. Women's day movement has reached to a credible stage today. Today we can proudly say that what the founders of IWD (International women's Day) had in view has been successful.

What is Women's Day?

What is Women's Day?

by Aditi Thirani

Women as an issue has been long debated. Whether it is regarding their rights or responsibilities, it has varied all the time. So what is women's day? What does it represent? Women ofcourse, but how much of it actually helps women as a subject is a big question. Everyone just wants to judge them and decide what they should do and how they should behave. What role does the Women's day have?

Like today if we see so many products in the market are there especially for women. Women have a full-fledged market catering to their needs. But in this transaction, lot of stereotypes are produced. Having a women's day in itself says that women have always had to fight for their rights. They had to keep telling the world that they are independent and are capable of taking their own decisions. Women's Day is like a day off to all the sufferings and pains that a woman goes through. It's a day when she can voice her mind free of any concerns. But this she can do on other day as well so what's so special about women's day?

Women's day is a mark to the struggle that women have always had to get their rights and issues addressed. It is to signify the inequality that women have always faced everywhere, be it home, workplace or anywhere for that matter. She has been silently taking all of that but now she can speak out her mind. And this day is a celebration of that fact. The fact that her views reach to the society and her concerns are taken care of is over whelming. Women's day is a day of unity when all women come together and hold hands against any problem that they face. It a war against all those who discriminate in some or the other way. It is also the justice that a woman gets that she deserves.

Obviously it's not done here. Things still have to improve for a better tomorrow and now is time when that is thinkable. And that in itself is an achievement. Women's day is a time to pledge to solve all the problems and put an end to the struggle and let things be the way they should be. Pledging that the partiality that happened will never make an appearance again. Make a promise to all the women that they will be capable enough to protect themselves from all the harassment and nuisance they face.

Women's Day is a reminder for everyone who forgets about the rights women has and also for them who need to know what are the rights. It is a day for creating awareness in women all over the world so that they know when they are being exploited. It is also a day which represents the powerful women all over and what feats they have achieved and a day which also gives them the due credit that they deserve.

Things will change soon and for good. As the awareness rate increases better things will happen. Women's day is just not a day for women, it a day about women in relation with the whole world.

Being a woman is the best!

Being a woman is the best!

Being a woman is not one-dimensional. There's many facets to that, of course. Suchitra Date, a dancer, physiologist and student counsellor tells us more

by Aditi Thirani

There are so many hidden advantages to being a woman feels Suchitra Date. A trained Bharatnatyam Dancer, a physiologist and a counsellor and a student from TISS in Bombay, she would know. So many things, one person... it's talent and hard work rolled into one.

"I feel being a woman is the best thing. I love being one and I don't know what I would do if I were to be a man. I am happy that my husband is not dependant on my income! It gives me a lot of freedom. Many of us are in certain professions because of restrictions of taking care of the family financially. But as a woman, I am free to be extremely creative," says Date.

Adding to the things a woman can do, she says, "A woman can have a child whenever she wants to; a man can't do the same. There is so much flexibility in her life. She can be emotional whenever she wants to. While a man's life according to me becomes so monotonous. But she is expected to be a super-human being. She is measured the way her children perform. Yet she has her freedom of expression. How much I love being a woman. I really don't know what I would do if I was a man," says Suchitra.

That is another side to our normal lives. We keep cribbing about things... but there could be so many ways to look at things so positively. We get the pleasure of creating human beings and it's such a great feeling. Women get all the lovely material like accessories. We can be macho sometimes and feminine at times. We have lot of colours to give to our personality. So much of variety and additionally we have so many excuses for taking breaks.

"But in the process what happens is people tend to underestimate women. They are seen with sympathy which is not appreciated. Its time now that we go hand in hand. And once that happens we'll see life is so beautiful that way. No one is weak... each person is equally important and strong. It's time men learn to be aware that women are decision makers and natural balancers. They must consider their opinion seriously. Woman must teach their boys to respect and understand other woman. That way they'll be really good partners. For a couple to succeed in life, support from both sides is essential," she adds.

But multi-tasking is what every woman has to be perfect at. That's actually a quality most woman possess, be it naturally or born out of necessity. Suchitra says it was really tough being a woman with multiple careers. "People expect too much from my children and they have to suffer the pressure of performing always. I feel so bad for high-achiever parents. Their children have to always go through this. People keep judging you and you are not allowed to lead a normal life. I have tried my best to balance things and have been doing it," adds Suchitra.

After so many things a woman also gets so many chances to pursue their hobbies. She can choose within a range of so many activities. Suchitra Date loves music and loves attending Musical programs and plays as well. She also does social work and is a founder member of Swadhar, an organisation for destitute woman and children. She has been a state level badminton player as well.

"I am waiting for the day when I open the newspaper and there won't be a single report of rape, molestation, dowry or any crime against women. That's the day we will know that women have started taking power. It's time women realise that they are well equipped and they must take care of things beyond just their homes. They can do much more," concludes Suchitra.

A living Inspiration

A living Inspiration

Who says that young shall inherit the world? Meet this grand old lady who has made India her home and now fights for the rights of her adopted sisters.

by Aditi Thirani

"For me, to be a woman means living with a feeling of plenitude, never that of inferiority," says Nishtha Pierre Marie. Born in France, she is a French woman living in India for almost four decades. Her fluency in Marathi wouldn't let you think she isn't Indian by birth!

'Nishthatai', as she is known, has been doing a lot of social work in and around Pune. "I was the eldest and my grandfather treated me as the head of the family. It helped me a lot to affirm my personality as a woman," she says when asked about her being such a strong woman. She has written three French books and she also taught French in the Pune University for a brief period.

She lives in Athashri, a residence on Sus Road only for the aged. Although she lives alone, she is by no means lonely. Even at an advanced age, she is lively as ever and also looks forward to entertaining her steady stream of visitors. Equipped with a library full of books, Nishthatai loves reading. But unlike most people of her age group, she is tech savvy and enjoys her time browsing the Internet. A true Indian at heart, she keeps herself updated with news and specifically loves everything about India.

Remaining active in ones old age is critical and Nishthatai has ensured that she does this. She does a lot of work with villages and has been striving for a change. "I would really like a change in many people� Even my brothers are anti-feminist and troubled me! In fact, nobody supported me when I decided I wanted to come to India. They said I had lost my mind. But I had made my decision," says Nishtha.

With a slight French accent, she narrates her experiences in India as a foreign woman. "My experience as a woman in India has shown me that men are oppressing the women. A woman will never be the owner of anything, and the men will never let her be one either. And when I became the owner of a place, a group has done everything to take it from me, but I stuck to my guns. For twenty years, I had to face so many people wanting to take everything away from me," she adds.

According to her, most of the changes that she has seen have been brought about by women. "A lot of change has taken place, but made by the women themselves, the men are not changing so much," she insists.

Today, we really need a drastic change in the situation of women. "The time has come to change the situation but it is a change which has to come from within society to realise the complementarities between man and woman. They have to be together to make the change happen," says Nishthatai.

On a parting note, she advises how women should think about themselves. "The man is unconscious of the abnormality of his attitude and it is very difficult for the woman to know what to do. This is related to a true incident where the man just doesn't realise what he is doing because the woman doesn't react like he is doing something wrong. This has to change," she says.

Her age notwithstanding, Nishthatai is all set to take on the world and change the way the world looks at women. She has been, is, and will be a great source of inspiration for all women around her.

Power! In the real sense

Power! In the real sense

To be a woman means to 'have power in the real sense' says Sindhu Ramachandran about being a woman.

by Aditi Thirani

"A power which can make or break other creations, not like men who have to put on acts to display their power. In fact even the silence of a woman has power. Being a woman means being strong � facing life's little ups and downs and still being able to love and be loved," adds Sindhu.

An E&TC Graduate from Wadias, Pune. But she followed her passion in life and went ahead to become a Certified Fitness professional. She has been certified from the Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences. She was also associated with SIHS as a faculty-cum-academic coordinator. Apart from that she is into fitness management, group fitness, and soft-skills training.

"People, music and fitness are my three passions � and I guess this is the only profession which combines all three. Thankfully, the experience so far has been a good one," says Sindhu. In fact, group fitness being my favourite aspect of fitness, the feeling of control and achievement that you get when you see the entire group working together and enjoying themselves with smiling faces is priceless. I have learnt a lot � like I always say � nothing (not even an MBA) can teach you lessons like life can. And interacting with so many people on a daily basis, I have come to realize that the experiences that one has in their lives defines their personality - physically, socially and emotionally," says Sindhu

What changes would she like to see in the attitude of people towards women? "I would like people to see women as more than just a sex object. More than being fat or thin, fair or dark, or dumb, for that matter, especially parents who are not practicing what they preach. Like the girl has to look good and serve her in-laws till eternity. These things must change. And I would like for all men to look at a girl in her eyes when they are talking, and not elsewhere. They have to be aware that the person with them is an equal human being and not a servant. Grow up, men," she advises!

Being an outsider to her field then, she faced many problems. But as they say problems always are to make you strong and we can see the example right in front of us. "Being from an unfamiliar background and with biological constraints, it was difficult initially for the people to take me seriously - especially parents. But then, the stubborn person that I am, I did my own thing- I always believed, that my work ethics would compensate for all drawbacks - and it did pay off well. Every individual is a challenge - and a different one each time," she adds.

"One positive thing I have noticed is that with the corporate world expanding so much, the men have learnt to behave well with a lady - atleast superficially. People are accepting women equally - but it still has a long way to go. All the efforts of the Govt. of India to bring up a girl child in a better way, have been very effective - but again still a long way to go," says Sindhu. There is no two way to that. We do have a long way ahead.

"I expect a fair treatment from everyone including the family. I do expect understanding, cooperation and appreciation of the role that a woman has to play in life, of a wife, mother, sister, friend and an efficient worker. Women should think that they can actually achieve whatever they set out to do. If you have the will to do succeed success will definitely come. But please avoid hypocrisy when you say that there should be equality of sexes be ready to face the bad part as well. U can't expect people to make concessions for you, just because you are a lady - and then preach equal opportunities for all," concludes Sindhu.

Well said, lady!

Ms Fixit

Ms Fixit!

"Being a female and multi-talented goes hand in hand" as we find out in a chat with a foreign student in India.

By Aditi Thirani

She is currently in her Third Year Law at ILS Law College, but Chiteisri Devi does not wish to be a lawyer! The study of Law is a stepping stone for her to be involved in Activism in Environmental issues and Women's Rights. "I chose to study in Pune as I believed it is a safe place to be away from home and yet it teaches me to be more independent," says Chiteisri. Her family of her mother and grandmother are her inspiration and support as aside from being outstanding in their professional lives. "They have mastered home management and culinary skills whereas me, call me 'The Undomesticated Goddess" from Sophie Kinsella's novel! I have studied Ornithology, Geopolitics and International Relations, Intellectual Property Rights and the European Union Law by way of Diplomas, and I plan to do an intensive Environmental Resource Management course next. I also participate in Debates, Elocutions and Model United Nations activities," beams Chiteisri.

In addition to all the above things, she recently participated in the 54th Harvard National Model United Nations Conference at Boston as the Delegate of Chad in the African Union and won the award for "the Outstanding Delegate" in her Committee. "I think it was the topics (Women's Education and Climate Change) that got me so motivated to do well as they touched my most passionate issues," says a humble Chiteisri.

"Being a woman has its fair share of triumphs and despair juxtaposed. However she personally feels that there are several advantages of being a woman in today's competitive, alienated world. Rather than using brute strength and intimidation when we reach that breakdown point, the challenge lies in the fact that we can use a subtle blend of intellect, charm, appeal and persuasion to get exactly what we want," says Chiteisri. Truer words were ne'er said!

She - as do her counterparts - really craves for change in the situation of women. "A change that I'd like to see and genuinely feel necessary is doing away with gender-based stereotypes. In our evolving society, stereotyping women impedes the healthy change, as a result of which women are unable to explore the freedom or space to attain her full potential. Matrimonial ads are the best example to such stereotypes. One sees words like "homely, cultured, convent-educated, fair" everyday - encoded expectations of the ideal women that clearly show that we have an archaic mindset. That MUST change," emphasises Chiteisri.

She has changed all of nine schools, spent four years in a girls boarding schools, travelled most of India and also to about 20 other countries. "My family has always believed that travel is a good teacher and with philosophy we make it a point to see new places each year even if that requires some compromise," she says. She is only 20, but has had enough exposure to have a firm opinion of her future and the world around her. "In all these years, I have observed women and tried to find out who is the 'perfect woman' only to realize, what one calls 'perfection' can never be attained unless and until she truly believes in herself. A woman cannot afford to be judgmental as we always are the victims of gossip and jealousy ourselves. Therefore, openness is a quality we must never lose as we can adapt to change, understand pain and be more sensitive than our male counterparts," says Chiteisri.

Expectations are something that she doesn't really have as with it she always seems to be too disappointed. It has taken few bad experiences to have had taught her this valuable lesson and she thinks it has paid off. Chiteisri says, "I know that in time, I shall have to face all those standard questions on marriage, careers, men and issues on gender but I shall take them one day at a time. My immediate goal is to complete my studies here and later abroad from a standard institute to have better career options, whatever it may be. The rest is about keeping an open mind and a space to keep learning!"

And what does she feel about the future of women in the society? "I think it was Dr. Faust who once said 'It is the eternal Feminine that draws us upwards'. Study after study has shown that a country is considered to be truly developed when women come to the forefront - be it in Education, Rights, Leaders, and Health and Environmental awareness. The future should be such that women play a lead role in the growth and development of our country. And, this will be possible when the right opportunities are available, giving women a chance in every field, setting aside the heavy patriarchal mindset and of course, doing away with stereotypes."

This young lady simply has too many and too varied aspirations. "I wish to be completely independent financially and find some work where I could combine my hobbies and commitments such that my work is not a burden. I would like a lead in something related to Environment Protection or Women's Rights. I often dream of having some land of my own, isolated from this metro like life, closer to the ocean where I feel like I am a part of Nature, environmentally responsible and self-sustaining. Quirky wishes would be Taller, adventure sports, being fluent in at least seven languages and a star figure skater." The list doesn't end here.

She would like to be remembered as a role model for young women. As a child when she was asked, what do you want to become when you grow up? She listed answers like an RJ, a writer, a marine biologist, a supermodel, a bartender, a spy. "I would love to be involved in drama after I finish my Law course, just to be all those roles!" concludes Chiteisri. Here's a role model for many to emulate.

The Big Dreamer

The big dreamer

Ashwini Choudhary is the pride of her family. She is the only girl in her house who sells newspapers as a result of which, she does attract a lot of attention.

By Aditi Thirani

Delivering newspapers is part of her family tradition and a profession that has been in the family since 1977. Ashwini's achievements and decision to live an unusual life was recently felicitated on International Women's day. "I have always felt proud to be a woman. It gives me a great feeling and the best part is that I never felt I was being treated unequally. I work being a woman so I don't feel that I should've been a man," says Ashwini.

Ashwini is currently studying in Class VIII. She has been delivering newspapers since she was in Class III. "I was just eight back then... my uncle got me interested in doing this. Even today, I want to give him the credit for making me special," says Ashwini who wants to become a policewoman when she grows up. "I always had the dream of becoming a policewoman. Besides, I would also love to do social work and help people like me who didn't get the resources and opportunities. I feel serving people is my duty and my right as well."

But it obviously hasn't been a cakewalk. What sort of problems did she have to face? "I always thought people would laugh at me and mock me. And what will I do if that happens? I always kept thinking about that but it no longer bothers me. I also didn't know much about money management or 'accounts' when I started off. That was the biggest hurdle. Another thing was that I didn't know anyone and I used to feel really bad about that. But with time, I've got the hang of it and now I feel very comfortable doing this job."

Ashwini feels people should start respecting women rather than underestimating them. "I think before people judge a woman, they should think about the fact that she is someone's mother, sister and daughter and they too have these at their own home. There was a time when a boy spoke to me in foul language but my uncle took his case! The point that I am trying to make is that men always think of women as weak. They have to stop suppressing us," says Ashwini.

This girl isn't all about showing her bravado. She is intelligent and this is evident when her entire family speaks highly of her. She has big dreams and is determined to go for after them. "I want to be independent; that's the basic thing to aspire for. There are many more things that I want to work hard and show that I can achieve a lot more than people can imagine. Thankfully, my family is really supportive and that's helped me a lot. I want to make it big, study a lot and make my parents proud," adds Ashwini, her eyes shining with the light of her dreams and a ray of hope that they will come true.

"But I feel the situation of women should improve. They are questioned a lot about every tiny thing they do. I think that must take change. Women should be encouraged to work and be independent, which sadly doesn't happen too much," insists Ashwini.

Big dreams in these small eyes are a hope that will fill the heart of every Indian with hope.