March for Her, March for Nation

To honour the role of women in the family and their contribution to society and the nation, Women’s Day is celebrated internationally on 8 March every year. Women are integral to our world. They embody the qualities of an empathetic mother, a caring sister, and a considerate partner. It is hard to imagine a home without them because their role in every aspect of our lives is paramount. However, they are often denied the rights they deserve, which necessitates the dedication of this day with a specific theme to them. In this connection, the theme of this year’s Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action.”. It is not just another catchy slogan but an urgent call urging us all to accelerate our efforts towards the welfare of women. It alarms us to contribute in the best way possible to make ‘gender equality’ certain and quick, which, according to current statistics, is a complex and challenging process.

It is imperative to acknowledge that by striving for women’s rights, we are not providing them with any special favour; we are rather helping them reclaim their rights. Also, it is not only an issue of women but of our society and precisely the need of the hour. In more exact terms, it is not only a women’s issue but a human issue; it influences all. Gender equality aims at making safer, healthier, and economically progressive societies. Its main objective is empowering women at every level, enabling them to be supportive, primarily to their families—that can have a substantial impact on the entire society and, hence, the nation. In the truest sense, the perspective of gender equality insists that men and women should complement each other and not compete. Whether in relationships, families, or workplaces, each gender should be entitled to an opinion and must be honoured in a functioning society.

In a patriarchal society, nevertheless, gender equality is taken as a plot to deprive men of all powers, and it is absurd to think so. Gender equality does not mean that men and women have to become the same; the lines of demarcation should blur or erase, or the difference between the two must vanish. In no way is this concept meant to replace men with women in every place, nor does it advocate for women to dominate and make men submissive. It simply means that the aspirations and needs of women and men are considered, valued, and favoured equally. Gender equality is intended to make sure that rights, responsibilities, and opportunities won’t depend on the sex of a person. People opposing gender equality need to mull over the question, what is the problem if a woman gets equal access to quality education, equal opportunity in jobs, politics, etc.? I believe that if a sound mind is put to work for answering this question, we may find the positives of gender equality overwhelming its perceived negatives.

Let’s look at the problem with an open mind and a large heart. Let’s shun misogynistic mindsets and support women in every realm for a stronger and more prosperous society. Let’s not forget that marching for her rights is certainly a march for our nation!

Zeeshan Rasool Khan is a tutor, and independent researcher.