Celebrating Women's Day century

The international women's day celebrated its 100 year anniversary on 8th March 2010. The day was first proposed in 1910 by a group of ladies from 17 countries to raise voice against gender discriminations. In America, the whole of March is designated 'Women's History Month', while the 8th is an official holiday in 15 countries including China, Ukraine and Vietnam.
In many countries, every year on this day, men honoring their sisters, wives, mothers, and daughters by presenting flowers and gifts. Hundreds of events were organised around the globe to show their concern towards all forms of discriminations against women. This year international women's day theme was "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All." In Canada, annual women's day rally was held on 7th March to raise voice against job inequality and demand ending of violence against women.
This year, a coalition of campaign groups including Oxfam, Amnesty International and White Ribbon Alliance are using International Women's Day to call for more action to reduce deaths among pregnant women in developing nations. Expectant mothers in developing countries face the same risk of death as UK women did 100 years ago.
Although successful efforts are being made for the uplift of women status globally. Still, there are particular issues, which demand immediate attention from international organisations and women groups to give women prosperity and dignity. Hostile environment, unjust behaviours, gender inequality, and aggression have been increasing the rate of mental and physical illnesses among women. Depression, diabetics, and asthma are common diseases that women suffer than men. Women are fastest growing group among young people living with HIV/AIDS. World Bank report points out that 30 women every moment injured or disabled during labour.
"In the US, if a woman show hemoglobin level of, 9 at an E.R, she might get an immediate blood transfusion, and lower levels are rarely seen. In contrast, hemoglobin levels of 5 and 6 are commonly seen among women in poor countries - just unheard of in the US." (The New York Times)
During crisis, disaster, war, and natural calamities women find themself defenseless. After Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, the death rate of women was about three times higher than that of men. Violence and abuse affects them badly during and after the war. About 70% of women experience violence in their life time and most commonly they are attacked by their intimate partners.
Without acknowledgement of her status in a society, it is impossible to find out the solution of her problems. The annual report by Human Rights Commission Pakistan shows the dilemma of women rights in Pakistan. The report states that 1638 women were killed by immediate relatives including husbands, brothers, fathers, and other close ones. About 8041 women were killed for property and settling other such issues.
About 3379 women were killed for not bringing dowry with them, besides for asking their rights. They were either killed by setting them on fire or by acid throwing. While hundreds of women who are facing Karo Kari, other such honour killings and infamous Hudood Ordinance charges in the jails of the country are still to be heard. The situation is the same through out Pakistan.
Although a woman is an important Pillar of a family she has been treated as weak strata; the web of gender inequality has been disintegrating her abilities and potentials. Thinking women as inferiors is actually to underestimate her strength and capabilities. Every woman has significant role in building up family as well as society's moral values - mother, wife, sister, and daughter. Actually, every woman is a moral teacher of a society.
Founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah in one of his speeches at Islamia college for women, March 25 1940 says "There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women."
As a mother she has the responsibility to shape and build character and personality of her children. With her strong faith and sincere heart, she never leaves her husband alone to fight calamities of life. As the saying goes, behind every successful man, there is a woman.
Apparently, contribution of women in economic support of her family has positive impact on its social status. In developing countries a large number of women are unable to get proper education. Still, they work in factories and houses to support their families. Nobody knows better than a woman the value and importance of family relationships. She devotes all her energy and strength for peace and happiness of the her family.
"Give me good mothers, and I promise you a prosper nation," says the founder of the Pakistan. A mother has unconditional love and affection for her children. She teaches responsibility, patience, and hard work to their children. Women have good communication skills, willingness and flexibility to compromise. Women's political participation give life to many political movements, such as Pakistan Movement, Muslim women stood side by side with men and struggled hard.
In Pakistan, women action forum was formed in 1981 to fight against discriminatory laws and to strengthen women's position in the society. Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 confirmed that "everybody has the right of education." To raise the status of women gender inequality in education should be prohibited.
Girl's education is a vital tool for raising her self esteem. It gives her awareness of her rights and opens up new career opportunities. In many parts of our country parents restrict girls at home because of the fear that provision of education will give her power to fight against their centuries old orthodox traditions.
An educated woman has better awareness of family's health and nutrition. Violence, discomfort, and disloyalty break down in a society when women subject to gender inequality. On the other hand her active participation ensures well balanced and developed society.