Women’s Day.

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Come 8th March, every year. And we are bamboozled by the free gifts at the shopping malls and discount vouchers at the spa and hell yeah, the lucrative deals at the hospitals, too. Not to forget the in-your-face online commercial brigade. While it is always nice to be offered these discounts, this one day is where it really makes me feel cringey. It undermines the entire purpose of the International Women’s Day.


Women’s Day is not a celebration. It is an acknowledgement. Of accomplishment. Of the long way that women all over the world have come and the long way that we still have to go! However, whenever we pause to enjoy these ‘privileges’, we are sent back to where we began from. We need to be included. Exclusivity is not the agenda.


We must, definitely, acknowledge, cherish, laud and honour those women and their allies who have challenged the patriarchal version of the female stereotypes and withstood the challenges that were thrown at them. These could be your family members, your friends or your role models. Do show them your appreciation. But don’t forget that you could be the role model for that one someone, too. Don’t let them down. 


Enjoy the day, but like any other. Women’s Day is not for cheesy messages and forwards. It is for our grit, determination and perseverance to stand tall. As equals. Pass on the discounts to men. (I know, many will disagree here.) So, may be wait till tomorrow, at least. The sales aren’t going anywhere. But the world is watching you; while you take the notorious advantage of that sale or go for power lunches at that discounted place with your Girl Brigade, all while hailing for the Universal Women Power!


Why settle for a day when you can have the entire year? Men and women, alike.... or, are they? Celebrating womanhood... nah, will pass! Would rather be happy to see real women actually cheering for other women. Unconditionally. We have already proven our place. In our homes. In our society. We don’t need handouts, girls! We are enough. Irrespective. 


On a lighter note, we don’t need a Men’s Day, either, right? I am actually worried that by this rate, very soon, the men will demand equal rights. You get a 50% off just because you are a woman? A discount is a discount, after all! Tacky tag-lines, or not! 


But for today, do go out and celebrate, if you please. Just not on the exclusive offers that scream discrimination, packaged in an attractive wrapper. Demand for what you deserve. Not entitlement. Get empowered. 


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