Women’s Day is a topic that is
perhaps controversial as any. Many support this celebration, but an almost
equal number of opponents argue that if we truly want to promote the idea of
equality then men should be given an international day, along with other genders
on the spectrum. Some don’t have an opinion. They are indifferent- they think
of it Supriya Ganesh as unnecessary. But others don’t
even know about International Women’s Day or (perhaps the view I find most
troubling) hold an incorrect view- for example, think of it as a day dedicating
to “men-bashing”.
This is exactly what prompted me
to initiate the Women’s Week in my school—simply to raise awareness about the
day that is dedicated to celebrating womanhood in all its forms—a day that, on
every 8th of March, strives to promote equality amongst all genders around the
world, making them break free of stereotypes. So, to say that Women’s Day only
aims to martyrize the image of the woman is, in my view, incorrect.
To raise awareness I mainly began
by putting together a week to acknowledge this internationally acclaimed day.
This week comprised of three main events- an inter-house essay competition for
middle and senior school on the topics “In my Perfect World, a Woman/Girl
Would”, and “The Most Influential Woman in my Life” respectively, and an
inter-house art competition for senior school on the topic “Gender Roles”. In
addition, an assembly to raise awareness on Women’s Day was also held, that
comprised of plays, presentations, speeches, quizzes and songs. Here I would
like to take a moment to thank all the enthusiastic participants in these
activities, without whom this week would have been impossible.
Although hectic and grueling,
Women’s Week was eventually pulled off with much success. Many people around
the school appreciated the idea that we wanted to raise awareness on topics
that aren’t talked about in society- that are taboos so to speak. Furthermore,
every person, whether man or women, found some personal connect in the
struggles that were portrayed, regardless of whether it was showcased in the competitions
and the assembly.
I hope this week will be a
starting point for us to consider not only women’s issues, but the implications
of gender roles and discrimination, which subtly penetrate our lives in some
way or the other. But then again, I also hope we recognize how far we’ve come
as a society—even fifty years ago, the idea of a woman working was extremely
rare, and now here we are, breaking the glass ceiling. And we shall continue to
do so—and we hope you will support and join us.
