Hemashri reflects on the International Women’s Day and ponders with women against women, is such a day necessary? An exclusive for Different Truths.

These days I really love snails – they seem unworried, unhurried, yet keep moving with a focus with no trace of stress.

For me every day is an International Women’s Day, not just March 8 every year.

I celebrate myself with self-love by dressing up by keeping myself and people around me happy for I believe happiness we radiate brings it back to us. Some days of my life were very cloudy, but I tried to keep it to myself because I tried to laugh with the world and cry alone. Still there were days I failed to do it that way. Earlier, I was harsh on self but now I think it is just ok for I am just another ordinary human only.

Every day I try to accept my defeat, loss, win, accomplishment and everything without being judgemental. Tell myself ok so far so good. I am trying to grow from ‘why me’ to ‘Okay, it is me’.

Every day I try to be a bit better in whichever way possible. This day or that day – basically each day is so very precious as we do not know what the future may bring or take away from us. Yet with hope in my heart and faith deep within I try to practice positive affirmation that everything will be just fine for everyone.

After the International Women’s Day, I only want to send in a humble appeal to my dear friends – just think why we need these days: Women’s Day, Father’s Day, Daughter’s Day!

Maybe because we are not giving enough love to them.

A few days after this day, I look within myself to ask, “Have I been kind, loving, supportive, motivating, considerate to the women in my life and those that I meet at work or elsewhere? How many women can I count as my support system with whom I feel a deeper connection?”

Women, it is all about women. We are what we are and if we wish and want – the world can change and there shall no longer be just one Women’s Day in a year.

Just watch around at the workplace. Who speaks ill of women or creates all kinds of obstacles? In families, who treats a woman rudely? We often use the word ‘patriarchy’ as the sole reason for the marginalisation of women.

In families, when a beautiful young girl may be yet to meet the right match, who torments her by speaking rubbish?

If a married woman has not yet delivered a baby for whatever reason, who bothers her seeking the ‘good news’ and make her feel life is futile, meaningless without a child?

Just after a devastating loss, who imposes cruel outdated rituals on a grieving woman?

If a woman wants to pursue a career or wants to opt for a challenging assignment, who says she is selfish?

If the first child is a baby girl, who demands to complete the family by having a son at the earliest? So funny!

It is often women against women.

Can patriarchy operate without active participation of women?

It is time to demystify ‘patriarchy’ and change the rule of the game.

Only women can.

Please give it a thought.

I support women. Do you?

When we will make it a habit to support each other. ‘Women’s Reservation Bill’, ‘Women’s Day’, etc., are all about women. Perhaps ‘only women’ might become history if it’s all about humans only.

I am waiting for the dawn…

Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths

Hemashri Hazarika

Hemashri Hazarika is an Officer of the Assam Civil Service since 1997. Her research on Assam Civil Service brought reforms in 2015. A first-class Postgraduate in Economics from Gauhati University, she was awarded JRF/NET by UGC in 1997. Her experience as a bureaucrat has sensitised her to human sufferings. A solutionist by passion, she takes an active interest in issues related to Governance, Development, Women, Children, etc. Reading, Writing, Speaking and Painting are her hobbies.