By Saakshi Arora Katyal , Landscape Designer
International Women’s Day holds profound significance for women entrepreneurs worldwide, serving as a celebration of their achievements, a platform for advocacy, and a reminder of the challenges yet to be overcome. As a woman entrepreneur, this day embodies both personal triumphs and collective aspirations.
Reflecting on my journey, I recognize the hurdles faced and victories won. Breaking through gender stereotypes and societal expectations, I dared to dream and pursued entrepreneurship with unwavering determination. International Women’s Day acknowledges the resilience and innovation inherent in women’s entrepreneurship, highlighting the vital contributions of women to the global economy.
Alka Kashyap
Women’s day is a celebration of the liberty, strength and indomitable spirit of the women of today. The essence of womanhood was beautifully enshrined in the words of Guru Nanak Dev ji. ‘It is from a woman that we are conceived and it is from her that we are born. It is to a woman we are engaged and married. Then why denounce her from whom even kings and great men are born! These sublime thoughts reverberated through centuries and gave immense power to the cause of the fairer sex. In earlier times, the patriarchal fabric of society had trampled upon the free existence and development of our mothers, sisters and daughters. Years of subjugation had made them the weaker sex and the injustice meted out to them was appalling. When they gradually saw the light at the end of the tunnel, there was no turning back. History was witness to an equal footing Celebration of Women’s day was heralding the dawn of the new age women. The impetus the the women gave to the development of society by their undaunted spirit earned them the admiration of one and all. Gone were the times when we were highlighting the plight of our women, on this day. No wonder our Hindu mythology revered them as embodiments of Laxmi (prosperity), Parvati (power), and Saraswati (knowledge). As the women of today, stand tall, we applaud their diligence and the fact that they make this world a better place to live in.
Disney Brar, Journalist, writer & poet
Even though I think a woman and her existence on this planet should be celebrated each and every day of our lives spent walking this earth, the International Women’s Day for me stands as an ode to this primordial feminine energy which forms the core and the crust of humanity. It is the celebration of an omnipresent energy which guides, nourishes and enriches our existences on this earth, an energy which trickles down to the grass root levels of our lives and also rises up to kiss the zenith of our awareness in this journey. It is a celebration of the sacred womb, the energy which rises up our spines, the centre of our beings, the goddess who sparkles and shines through the tumultuous waters of this world and the one beyond this. For me it is a day drenched in the essence of the Shakti and the Kundalini. It is a day dedicated to the worship of this feminine glory which gives birth to and nurtures the whole of the cosmos. A day where I raise a toast to my own self, my glory, my sheen, my essence, my godhood, my power and my femininity. On this day I reinforce the fact that as a woman I am a microcosm in my own self, a universe, a portal, a dimension, a realm, a fierce warrior, a poem, a song, a wish and a blessing to this world.
Parminder Soni , Author of 3 books
Woman!!
Resilience thy name
Courage thy aim!
Aha, so easy to say, but, is it, really? Being a woman in this patriarchal system…like swimming in a river of burning lava!
With challenges galore, be it barriers in education, healthcare or economic opportunities, unwavering determination is required to make her presence felt! It is now imperative to amplify their voices. To dismantle systemic barriers and take collective action at all levels of society, from grassroots activism to policy reform. I think, not just because I am a woman, women do have more insight and they can bring unique perspectives forward. And if we have named a day as WOMEN’S DAY, let’s justify it’s existence too! Let’s honor their contribution to society, let’s find a world where every woman can live with dignity and equality. Let her strides match with those around. Let her spread her wings to fly and fold to nurture. Let her smile a carefree smile. Let her weave her grace and carry her dreams to fulfillment!
A nurturer, the giver of life
A beacon of hope, amidst strife.
For her loves, she’ll never fail
Tending all with gentle care
She’s a masterpiece.
Anju Mehta
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish .” This famous line by yet another accomplished woman, Michelle Obama, stands so true in today’s times. On this International Women’s Day, I would like to rejoice in all that the women have achieved the world over! I would like to celebrate the spirit of womanhood that has completely redefined the way we see the societal roles in today’s world!
Imagine a world without women!!! It would indeed be a dull place to be in … devoid of their characteristic charm, beauty, warmth, love, tenderness, and care! ( And imagine the fate of social media….).
The women of today have left an indelible mark in all the domains of life. The change was even evident in our celebrations of Republic Day this year, which was truly women centric as more than 16000 women took center stage. The Nari Shakti was evident in the first ever all – women tri – service contingent marching down the Kartavyapath. The day also saw over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments to kickstart the celebrations. Breaking the glass ceiling, today’s woman can be seen weilding a weapon or donning an executive hat with as much ease and finesse as she did while managing her home. equality for a more inclusive world. So. today, I would like to salute the indomitable will of all women around the world !!
Renuka Salwan, Public Relations and Communication Professional
“Empowered women empower women”: For this to actually happen, self love is of utmost importance. We are already strong and sky is the limit. We are unstoppable if we know that and practice it everyday. Its all about changing the way the world perceives that strength. Be passionate and bold each moment to bring difference in yours and other’s lives. Take pride that because of us the world is evolving. We need to cheer, push and build each other. I personally strive each day to inspire others to help forge an inclusive world for showing solidarity. Happy Women’s Day to all the incredible women.
Ravneet Chahal
‘She is totally worth it’ and ‘I am She!’
On this Women’s Day, the society needs no reminder to commemorate and celebrate what a woman epitomises. Her beauty, her charm, her ability to love unconditionally, her resilience, and her fortitude in facing adversity with courage and grace are firmly established and validated.
However, the Patriarchal society certainly needs a grim reminder on this day to uphold her elevated status, give credibility, and honor all her achievements throughout history. All she needs is a conducive environment to blossom and prosper. Being a woman, today is the day to celebrate just because ‘ I am Me’.
Aman Deep Chatha, Principal Accountant General (Audit)
With due respect to 8th March, I wonder, is life possible without celebrating the women in your life on a daily basis? Having said so, this day reminds and helps acknowledge the presence women command each day. It thus becomes imperative to let this feeling have an expanse to cover each and every woman who is yet to have this confidence. The onus is on the society to give back to the fairer sex, in terms of love, affection, kindness, understanding and purity, which they have showered selflessly on the world since times immemorial.
Suparna-Saraswati Puri, Storyteller
The day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless unknown and forgotten women , worldwide, who were ignored or missed being noticed during momentous occasions; however, were pivotal in letting a moment in time create History . My salutations to such selfless front-runners !
Namrata Bhatia, Educator
As a woman, I take pride in acknowledging the incredible resilience, grace, and strength that we embody. Despite living in societies often dominated by men, women continue to receive unparalleled dignity and respect. Our ability to express our emotions openly is a testament to our authenticity and courage. Within families, women are often the backbone, providing unwavering support and guidance. The fusion of beauty and intelligence within us makes us truly unique and exceptional. On this day, I extend my love and best wishes to all the remarkable women who fulfill roles as mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, colleagues, mentors and friends. Let us celebrate the essence of womanhood and continue to uplift and empower each other.
Kamaljeet Kaur, Mass Media Professional
A day is primarily observed to mark a celebration, convey love, respect and importance or to sound a clarion call towards injustice. And for a major section of the human race which has been largely marginalised, dedicating a day is the least people can do. Reserving a day in honour of womankind may at least add to the collective human conscience standing up for women and break the skewed social construct belittling them. This would just be a token, an important one though, of the love and respect she deserves as a birthright!
On this day, I personally make it a point to acknowledge and greet all the women in my life!
Pooja Chaudhary, Director of a school
A powerful women is a heat resisitant and storm bracing calibre. What I know for sure is that I’m especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak about their personal stories. It definitely can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples and thereby can support the change the world needs.
My mission in life is not merely to survive however to thrive and that too with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.
I would wish each and every women, a very Happy International Women’s Day!