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Recognising women

The international Women's Day is celebrated throughout the world on March 8. This is an occasion when women from all parts of the world come together and commemorate at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations, and many countries designate it a public holiday. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements, beyond their national, linguistic, cultural and economic barriers. This is an occasion to look ahead towards the untapped potential and opportunities that await the future generations of women.

International Women's Day marks the struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. During the French Revolution, women all over France marched through the streets of Versailles demanding liberty, equality and fraternity.

The idea of an International Women's Day first arose at the turn of the century. The first National Woman's Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28. As part of the peace movement, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday of February. And in Europe, on or around March 8, women held rallies to either protest war or to express solidarity with other activities. This day later became a mechanism to protest against World War I.

Since those early years, International Women's Day has gained much significance and global dimension in developed and developing countries alike. And in 1975, the United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day on March 8. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for women rights. It also recognized the role of women in peace efforts and their contribution to society.

This day is taken as a time to reflect on the progress made, to call for change and to celebrate the courage and determination of women who have worked for the well being and development of the world.

The United Nations has adopted `Ending impunity for violence against women and girls', as the theme for International Women's Day in 2007.

Even India was not to be left far behind. India has always been at the forefront in the global fight against crime towards women.

The International Women's Day this year is of special importance to Indian women as the government has declared 2001 as Women's Empowerment Year. The declaration is aimed at making every effort to restore women as the power that she had failed to be in a world of growing male supremacy.

The objective of the government is to initiate action to give women their rightful place in society and bring them into the mainstream of nation's social, political and economic life.

It is only the day when women achieve equality with men that we call build an equal and prosperous society.

Ambika Varma

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