What does women's day mean to you?

By JF on Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 21:48

What does Women's Day mean to you?

March 8th has been celebrated as International Women's day since 1975. We asked our readers, both men and women, what they think of it.

Pavithra Sankaran, Cardiff

It's one part in 365. I suppose we should be grateful really. In a world of such immense richness, a miniscule  fraction, is enough. We tread softer, we live in the shadows, we blend into the woodwork. We know how to survive on less, we know how to guard that fraction. Female foetuses are naturally tougher, female babies don't die despite poorer feed. We thrive, despite the diminishing portions.

But we aren't alone in the fraction, there are other fractions doled out for biodiversity, the environment, the disabled day, world heritage, habitats, farmers, and even the earth itself. The fractions add up, you know. They come together to become whole. And when the pieces are put together, it is us, 364 in 365. One more unwitting subsidy and the revolution will be complete. They won't even know it.

Sanil Nambiar, Bangalore

Maybe it is nice to have, but not really required; why should there be a special day for women, is there a day for men? 

Pramila Krishnan, Bangalore

A day is just not enough to live life as a woman. Let's feel empowered all 365 days and make a new beginning this Women's Day.

Geetika Sudip, Kochi

It's good to have a day set aside for women, just so that we can meet up and talk about things - good, bad and fun - that concern us. It is sad when it descends to guy-bashing though. Let's admit it: the world wouldn't be half as fun without men around.

PS: How about an International Men's Day to level things out?

Kasturi Basu, Kolkata

I think celebrating a particular day of the year as 'Women's' day is not only absolutely unnecessary but somewhat counterproductive. There is no Men's day. Why should women need a particular day of the year as theirs? The more the celebration of women and womenhood, the more they they concede the fact, albeit in a roundabout way, their ineqality and therefore demand a special status. Why should we demand privileges? We should fight for rights!

Vivek Varma, Bangalore

I think it is important to have a day like this. It is a day for women to be proud of who they are and what they are. And for the men to recognise that there is a need to address women's issues.