International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated on March 8, is a global event that honors women’s achievements while also highlighting the challenges they continue to face. Its origins date back to the early 20th-century labour movements, particularly in Europe and America, when women began demanding better working conditions, voting rights, and equal pay. Over the decades, the day has evolved into a powerful platform for discussions on gender equality, legal rights, and social justice. However, beyond celebrations and slogans, the day serves as a reminder that true empowerment comes from awareness, education, and the implementation of just policies. While many countries have made significant progress, issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and economic disparity still hinder women’s full participation in society.
The true essence of International Women’s Day lies in raising awareness about women’s rights and ensuring that they have equal opportunities in all aspects of life. It is not just a day for celebrations but a call to action against gender discrimination. Despite legal frameworks advocating equality, women still face challenges in education, employment, and safety. In many developing nations, especially India, patriarchal norms continue to limit women’s progress. Crimes like domestic violence, dowry deaths, acid attacks, and sexual harassment remain prevalent. In places like Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in Kashmir, incidents of crimes against women have unfortunately increased in recent years. Cases of domestic abuse, murder, cyber harassment, and workplace discrimination are being reported more frequently, emphasizing the urgent need for legal awareness and stronger enforcement of laws.
One of the most crucial aspects of International Women’s Day is its role in educating women about their rights. Many women, especially in rural areas, remain unaware of the legal protections available to them. Legal literacy programs, awareness campaigns, and women’s self-help groups can help bridge this gap. While some radical feminist narratives may sometimes exaggerate the situation and spread a sense of victimhood, the real solution lies in empowering women through education, self-reliance, and a fair legal system. Women should not feel deprived but rather confident that they have the tools to fight for their rights.
Contrary to many misconceptions, Islam has been a strong advocate for women’s rights since its inception. At a time when women were considered inferior in many societies, Islam gave them the right to inheritance, financial independence, education, and dignity. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a revolutionary figure in this regard. He treated women with respect, advocated for their right to seek knowledge, and condemned unjust practices like female infanticide. His teachings emphasized that men and women are equal before God, with different yet complementary roles in society. Unfortunately, cultural misinterpretations have often distorted Islamic principles, leading to practices that oppress women in the name of religion.
Islam’s emphasis on justice, dignity, and empowerment must be understood in its true essence. Women’s education is given paramount importance in Islam, and they are encouraged to participate in social, economic, and intellectual spheres. It is crucial to differentiate between true Islamic teachings and cultural practices that oppress women. Women should be encouraged to seek education, be financially independent, and actively contribute to society while upholding their values. The Islamic model promotes balance, where both men and women have rights and responsibilities without one dominating the other.
As mentioned earlier, a major challenge for women today is the lack of legal awareness. While India has strong laws to protect women such as the Domestic Violence Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, and laws against sexual harassment, many women do not know how to access justice. Governments, civil society, and media must play a role in educating women about their rights so that they do not suffer in silence. Legal aid centers, helplines, and awareness campaigns can help women understand their rights and take action against injustice.
At the same time, there is a growing concern that extreme feminist narratives sometimes use such occasions to create unnecessary divisions between men and women. The goal should not be to promote hostility but to create an environment where both genders support and respect each other. Women’s empowerment should not come at the cost of family values or social harmony. Instead of pushing an agenda of resentment and victimhood, efforts should focus on ensuring justice, equality, and mutual respect.
The road to women’s empowerment lies in education, economic independence, and legal awareness. Governments should focus on policies that promote women’s participation in the workforce, ensure their safety, and provide them with quality education. At the same time, families and communities must support women in their aspirations rather than restricting them based on outdated norms. The media has a crucial role to play in portraying a balanced and realistic picture of women’s issues rather than sensationalizing or distorting them.
International Women’s Day is a reminder that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but it is a human issue. Real empowerment comes not from constant struggle but from justice, opportunity, and mutual respect. The focus should be on building a society where women are aware of their rights, feel safe in exercising them, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Achieving this balance will lead to a more just, progressive, and inclusive society.
(Author is independent columnist and Academician. He can be reached at:[email protected])
