INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day

"Intellectually, mentally, and spiritually, woman is equivalent to a male and she can participate in every activity." Gandhiji.

"This flag is of Indian Independence! Behold, it is born! It has been made sacred by the blood of young Indians who sacrificed their lives. I call upon you, gentlemen to rise and salute this flag of Indian Independence. In the name of this flag, I appeal to lovers of freedom all over the world to support this flag." -- Madame Bikaji Cama -1907.

From Sita in Ramayana to Kannagi in Silapathikaram to Rani Jhansi are not only celebrated women but also their contribution to social change and awareness had been immense. Even Ramakrishnaparmahamsar is said to have worshipped his wife.

Gender is western concept. India is the original home of the Mother Goddess. In our ancient history, we have many instances of women scholars and women rulers who have taken lives of people to next level. Stories from mythology and folklore are recounted to prove that women in India have always been honored and respected. We are proud of the fact that India was one of the first countries in the world to give women the right to vote. The Indian Constitution is one of the most progressive in the world, and guarantees equal rights for men and women. All this is cited as evidence to support the contention that Indian women are free and equal members of society. The Constitution of India guarantees to all Indian women

Equality before the law. Article 14

No discrimination by the State on the grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, Place of birth or any of these. Article 15(1)

Special provisions to be made by the State in favor of women and children. Article 15(3)

Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or Appointment to any office under the State. Article 16

State policy to be directed to securing for men and women equally, the right to an adequate means of livelihood. Article 39(a)

Equal pay for equal work for both men and women. Article 39(d)

Provisions to be made by the State for securing just and humane conditions of Work and for maternity relief. Article 42

To promote harmony and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. Article 51(A) (e)

India has led the world in ratifying UN Conventions and international covenants like the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action. National plans and policies have consistently reflected a vision of progress that is not narrowly confined to expanding Incomes, but gives a central place to the achievement of human rights, freedoms and well-being for all.

Only in India Woman is worshipped as Sakthi [Strength], Saraswathy [Knowledge] and Lakshmi [Prosperity]. No other country or religion in the world worships women hood in the way India does.. In Hindu Mythology women is said to have been given absolutely 50% of Mental, Spiritual and physical space in the life of a man, when Shiva is illustrated to have done this in Arthnareeswarar form.

India is fortunate to have had many great women - Auvaiyar, Annie Besent , First women president of Indian national Congress, Nevedita, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, First Indian Woman President of UN General Assembly, Mother Teresa, Sarojini Naidu to Indira Gandhi only the second woman Prime Minster in the world, to Kalpana Chawla, Indra Nooyi to Pratibha Patil first women President of India and many more in the Indian Corporate sector who have proved to be more than a match . Their contribution to society in whole and to Women in Particular in valuable.

Very interestingly in the current year more girls are taking Tamilnadu Secondary schools plus two examinations. If it is not enough ,girls are scoring much higher than boys. More and more girls are joining Engineering colleges.

In Modern Indian society women are playing stellar role, even challenging the males in Politics. More importantly their role in family building, society development is stupendous. Indian woman is emerging out of their conventional role, realizing their unlimited potential and have begun to take major role in all walks of life.

Indian woman is beautiful, gentle, motherly yet powerful. Indian society look upto their women folk to take the lead, which is slowly happening. When India becomes a superpower, surely there will be significant contribution from great women

History of International Women’s Day:

International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, 

1908 : Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

1909 : In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on 28 February. Women continued to celebrate NWD on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

1910 : 1910 a second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. A woman named a Clara Zetkin