Recently, I was returning home alone at around 10 p.m. in a taxi. My taxi was pulled over by a lady police officer who was standing at the corner of a crowded area (a railway station). The driver of the taxi and I started to think of the rules he might have broken for the police to stop him.
To my surprise, she wanted to talk to me and not the driver. She knocked on my window asking me to roll it down. I was surprised when she wrote down my name, my place and time of hiring the taxi, the destination, my contact details, age and all the relevant ID proofs from the taxi driver. She was on her duty for ‘Women’s Protection’. Guess this is the change we see in today’s world and what we want to see in the Women of India.
I wanted to write something special for women on this day. I didn’t know where to start. So I started by questioning the importance of the day and also why was there no ‘Men’s Day’. What is the motive behind celebrating Women’s Day? According to me, it is to remind people to respect women and treat them safely and to remind Women that they are an individual, not just somebody’s shadow!
The role of a woman shifts at every point of life from being a daughter to a sister to a friend to a wife to a daughter-in-law to a mother to a grandmother. Throughout this journey, she is expected to be a strong spiritual, mental and physical person who not only stands up for herself but also for her near and dear ones. She is often seen as a physical figure of beauty with mental strength of compassion, virtue, respect and power not only from inside but also outside.
When the need comes, she is expected to be capable of pulling herself and her family out of the financial crisis. She is seen as a person who can be re-molded in any form and still come out with flying colors.
Women: Then vs. Now
In the olden days, women were never treated with respect. They sold their mind and spirit for the needs of others. Women then were not supposed to have an opinion or voice. But even in such times, our history is replete with examples of woman power. Women like Rani Laxmibai, Sita, Sarojini Naidu, Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa are the best examples one could have about the greatness of women. Hindu mythology too worships women- Goddesses like Laxmi, Saraswati, Parvati and Shakti Maa.
Nowadays, women are more aware about their rights and are accepted for their stand on things. There is an evident change seen in the attitude of women in today’s world. In today’s generation, women are more competitive, successful and have a high level of aspiration in every field compared to men. Women today have started to demand their rights and are coming out of the shadow of negligence.
To celebrate this equality of women and salute her perseverance and her dedication to life, we need to celebrate Women’s Day internationally on 8th March. It is a day to pay tribute to the spirit of womanhood. Women’s Day was 1st celebrated at the start of 20th century, out of early socialist movement. The Day is recognized by governments and organizations around the world and is an official holiday in dozens of countries, including Afghanistan, China, Vietnam and Zambia. Since 1975, the UN began celebrating 8th March as International Women’s Day and two years later they adopted a resolution that all member states should observe one day each year for women’s rights.
You are important hence you deserve safety and respect.
Below are some important numbers for Women in Mumbai that may help her at the most dire times.
Helpline Numbers for Women in Distress:
- 103: The latest women helpline number to complain about eve teasing and any other safety concerns, also to learn about self defense.
- Mumbai Police Helplines For Molestation : 103 / 1090 / 7738133133 / 7738144144
- 1298: This number will connect women in distress to relevant NGO’s.
- Family Service Center: 022 22828862
- Women’s Center: 022 26140403
- Latest number for sexual harassment in bus – Call up 1800227550 ( Initiative by BEST bus services in Mumbai for women safety)