Today, we celebrate women all over the world as 8 March is known to be International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day was originally called International Working Women’s Day. IWD is a global day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s campaign theme is #BeBoldForChange.
Looking back, women have come a long way and have fought a good fight but I still believe there is more we can do. There is still a huge gap that needs bridging and as long as we as women don’t come together as a force to confront the issues that face us, we will not get the treatment we deserve.
The woman is no different from the man but the woman is not like the man either. I am a feminist not because I seek equality but I am a feminist because I seek fair treatment for the woman. Women are subjected to constant prejudice and scrutiny and this becomes absurd when women become their own enemies. “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back”-Malala Yousafzai.
There is no disputing the fact that the world is now a global village but even in this modern world, we are still having the perception that a woman cannot climb a political or corporate ladder without having to succumb to a man. A successful woman who is not married after age thirty becomes less of a woman and is constantly the talk of the public. A woman in the limelights cannot be a virgin even when she say’s so. These and many other absurdities burdens and saddens my heart.
Where is it defined that a woman is an adult female who depends on a man?Why have women been reduced to be dependants of men? A man needs a woman in more ways than a woman needs a man. It therefore does not surprise me when our young girls are easily lured by men because of their possession. That is what we (society) has thought them.
“Don’t let anyone tell you you’re weak because you’re a woman”.-Mary Kom. Your being a woman is not dependent on a man but your being a woman is your choice and right. Chase your dreams and don’t be afraid to achieve them. A happy woman is one who has a dream and works towards it and not one who has a man by her side. If you happen to have a man by your side, great, but your dreams shouldn’t be buried.
An independent woman is more useful to a man than a woman who is not. There is no limit to what we, as women can accomplish”.- Michelle Obama. As this year’s theme says, be bold for change. Let your feminine voice be heard where it ought to. Be bold and stand for your right and convictions. Be bold and be the change you want to see. #BeBoldForChange.
AFRO387 