International Women’s Day: She is strength, she is you

Pune: March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day around the world every year. DNA salutes the spirit of women for their accomplishments and unlimited sacrifices.

This day reminds you of sacrifices made by women everywhere
International Women’s Day is a day to remember the sacrifices made by women at times of need across the world. It is the day to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women. The day also reminds you of the contributions made by women for international peace and security. Women have struggled a lot in the past and are now able to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with men. They have achieved financial independence with education and developed a life of dignity and self-worth. So we need to celebrate the day with pride and honour. At our home we celebrate Women’s Day by giving gifts to my daughter and make her understand the worth of the day and the privileges of being a woman.
Madhuri Naidu, homemaker

Women’s Day should focus on those women living in rural parts of the world
Women’s Day can be so much more than just a commercial exercise. It is being reduced to offering free treatment at a spa, film tickets at discounted rates and other such gimmicks to make the urban women feel special and beautiful. But it should be a day to acknowledge the immense strength women exhibit in their day-to-day lives throughout the year. In today’s context, Women’s Day should focus more on those women living in the rural parts of India. They are not even aware that such a day exists but they continue to make a huge difference to their own lives and that of others. The need of the hour is to make them understand their importance and worth. Women’s Day is an occasion to acknowledge their strength.
Vishwadha Chander, student

Women today have made a mark in every aspect of life
Women’s Day is a way to recognise the contribution made by women in various facets of life. For me it is a significant day as I engage myself with earnestness to achieve benchmarks set by me both professionally and socially. We surely are proud of our accomplishments. But we still have a long way to go and loads to achieve. Women today have made a mark in every aspect of life; academically, professionally and now politically. This year, many women stepped forward to contest polls to become corporators and policy makers, which in itself is a huge achievement.
Pranati Shroff, director, Shroff Group

This day serves as a podium to pay homage to womanhood
Attributing one day to celebrate womanhood does not justify the capabilities and achievements of women. Nonetheless, this day at least gives an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices of women. Woman has been gifted with the power to create. The power of giving birth makes a woman very powerful. However, the country has delayed in giving due credit to women. The 50% reservation in the recent polls should have happened much earlier. As for the significance, this day serves as a podium to pay homage to womanhood. There are various programmes organised on female foeticides, woman empowerment and sanitation for women that I will be attending on this occasion. Besides, we will be soon opening a charitable organisation that will focus on woman empowerment.
Deepa Sanas, vice-president, MNS, Pune