By Dr. H.R. Manikarnika, Senior Eye Specialist

Every year Mar.8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day across the world. This is to remember the sacrifice of garment factory lady workers in New York and to know how women can improve their lives.

On Mar.8, 1857 in New York City, the female employees revolted against the management. They were paid less than the male even though they worked equally. They had to work in unhealthy environment and working hours was more than 12 hours. They took out a procession but Police didn’t tolerate this and the strike was put off forcibly. This had kindled light to fight for justice. On Mar.8, 1908, more than 1,500 women employees took out a procession and shouted slogans against the management. Their demands included:

i) Justifiable salary, ii) Congenial working environment, iii) 8-hour working hours, iv) To  abandon child labour, v) The right to vote.

These revolts were remarkable in promoting women’s struggle for equality.

It was Clara Jetken, a Lawyer and German politician who is responsible for Women’s Day celebration. She said unless the women’s freedom and no gender discrimination, there will be no peace in the world.

In 1910 at Copenhagen International Congress, she called for observing International Women’s Day on Mar.8. Her request was universally accepted.

USA started observing International Women’s Day from 1975. India observed 1975 as International Women’s Year. International Women’s Day was observed for two reasons:

1. Without women’s active participation there cannot be peace and social justice.

2. To recognise women’s contribution for international peace and security.

Position of Women  in India

The position of women in India is much better when compared to previous decades among educated and socially forward families but in slum areas, backward sections and among tribals the situation needs a lot of improvement.

Women are overburdened as they have to work in three fields.

1. At Home: All the household work like cooking, washing clothes, cleaning utensils and caring for the children and aged she has to do. These are not paid work but demands a lot of physical work. She is not given any economic freedom.

2. She has to earn: In villages, she has to assist agricultural activities. In cities, she has to go out and work.

3.Reproduction: During adolescence, she will have menstruation and related problems. During womanhood, she has to give birth to children. Pregnancy and delivery related problems are there. After 40-50 years, menopause symptoms may be there and she is prone for reproductive organs related diseases.

Sometimes there will be domestic violence on her and dowry harassment. She will be emotionally tortured. In work place also there will be sexual harassment.

In case of infertility, the woman is blamed. These are some of the social evils.

What is the salvation?

Woman Empowerment: Women must become self- confident, educated and economically independent. Life skills and working skills must be acquired; only a self-directed woman can work better. She requires encouragement, training and opportunities. She can work equal or even better than a man in all the fields.

Women’s struggle is not against men. For a cart to move both the wheels must be equal and healthy. If one is under trouble the cart cannot move. So for a healthy society both men and women must enjoy equal freedom and equal resources.

She should have the following freedom

1. Economic freedom

2. Decision-making freedom

3. To get the asset from parents

4. Physical and mental rest

5. Freedom to express her feelings

6. Freedom for movement etc.

Women must shun inferiority complex, develop self-confidence and work well for the   family, village, State and thus serve the Nation.

‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’