On March 8, women around the world, and an increasing number of men, will celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD).
The iconic day has also become an official holiday in as many as 27 countries (which do not include India). It’s a day to show respect, acknowledge the achievements of women and also celebrate womanhood by paying tribute to the indomitable spirit of women across the globe.
While in countries like Russia, celebrations continue throughout the month, men in Toronto walked ‘a mile in her shoes’ putting themselves in their shoes quite literally, to help end violence towards women. But how do the men of our country view it?
Actor Arjan Bajwa says, “Without women the world would be completely incomplete. But I don’t think men in India have yet adopted the concept of Women’s Day.
Womanhood is something that needs to be celebrated and embraced throughout the year. Having said that, I don’t find any harm in acknowledging the day as a special occasion to show respect and solidarity with women.”
Actor and model Ganesh Venkatraman opines that it needs to be celebrated like a festival of sorts. “There isn’t enough awareness created and we need to teach young India why it is important to celebrate this day. But there is a lot of progression in the sense that more men are coming out in support of women and to take part actively in the celebrations. It’s a great day for men particularly, to celebrate the special women in their lives and it’s also necessary that we take a moment to draw inspiration from the amazing women we know.”
In India, however, like other such ‘days’, this one is also becoming yet another occasion for marketing gimmicks. Popular actress Vishakha Singh articulates, “We are a funny society. We plan and celebrate Valentine’s Day probably with much participation than any other day”.
“And Women’s Day still remains just another regular day, especially for men. It’s just another day for men to call the shots. There is no energy in the air and most people don’t even know its significance. There is a very small cluster that actually gives the day the kind of importance and respect it deserves.”
She goes on to add, “The scenario will change only if both men and women alike celebrate womanhood. It’s not enough if we women just appreciate and acknowledge each other. Every man and woman must celebrate the day with much vigour. Remember without woman, there would be no one at all.”
