I may be a little old-fashioned, outdated, but this is who I am, and this is how I feel comfortable. I could have posted about Women’s Day two days earlier, but I was contemplating—what definition of ‘woman’ should I give? The primary reason why the UN recognizes March 8th as International Women’s Day is to acknowledge the achievements of women across the world—without any discrimination. The list of discriminations they mention includes national, racial, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political discrimination.
In my opinion, celebrating achievements alone is not enough; we need to raise our voices louder against the brutalities that women still endure. If necessary, some men should no longer be called ‘men’ but rather ‘beasts.’
What else but sheer savagery could drive multiple male family members to rape an 8-year-old child? Was it merely biological urges? Was there not a trace of humanity? Does physical intimacy require no love, no understanding, no connection? Can a human find satisfaction simply by pouncing like an animal? No, they are not humans—they are beasts. Yes, those men are not ‘men,’ but human beasts. And for the innocent child who was made the sacrificial lamb, isn’t Women’s Day for her too? Or is Women’s Day only for successful women? If Women’s Day doesn’t include Asiya, then it isn’t for my daughters either, nor is it for me. How can I possibly celebrate Women’s Day knowing that the same men who wronged Asiya will soon be breathing their hot breath over another innocent child’s body? Pedophilic beasts like them should be punished in the most brutal way, in broad daylight, before all the men in that community. The incident should be broadcasted across every newspaper and television channel so that no man ever dares to think of committing such an atrocity again.
Following the labor movements in North America and Europe, the UN first recognized International Women’s Day in 1977. Since 1848, countless events have shaped women’s history, making them feel honored and celebrated on this day. But believe me, I do not feel even a bit of joy in this recognition. Especially when a man wishes me ‘Happy Women’s Day’ with a smile—he might have the purest intentions, but I feel compelled to look into his eyes and ask—what does that smile truly mean? Is he happy because he made me feel special for a day, or is he smiling because dedicating a single day to women means the remaining 364 days belong to him and his kind? I cannot accept this. Who are you, man? Who gave you the authority to grant women one day while keeping the other 364 for yourself? This is yet another deceitful trick of your male-dominated society. Today, I am furious with all men. I don’t usually engage in stereotyping, nor do I consciously blame an entire group for the sins of a few. But Asiya’s face haunts me day and night—I cannot find peace!
Asiya’s sister’s mother-in-law was a woman too. If she hadn’t remained silent, if she hadn’t threatened to kill Asiya’s sister, could this tragedy have been prevented? Did she also celebrate Women’s Day? I really want to know. When Asiya’s sister told her mother that she felt unsafe staying alone at her in-laws’ house, that she felt as if someone—who was not her husband—was trying to grab her from behind, why did her mother still send her back to that house? Today, women are excelling in everything, from piloting rockets to exploring space. But I feel this is a great injustice of fate. Some women have golden, successful lives, while others aren’t even granted the right to survive. Why couldn’t Asiya’s mother protect her and her sister? Why did she send them back to a house where three beasts lived, along with a monstrous mother-in-law?
Humanity has progressed by learning from the past. But we must also acknowledge that time changes everyone and everything. The Russian Revolution of 1917 fueled the movement that led to the official celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th. My personal observation is—why does everyone need to do everything? Can’t we accept that people have different skills and strengths? A sailor may be an expert in navigating ships, understanding wind currents and tides, but he may not know how to cultivate crops. A farmer, on the other hand, may be highly knowledgeable about the seasons and soil, ensuring a good harvest. Can we judge them against each other? Similarly, since ancient times, men have mocked women’s physical strength, assigning them only child-rearing and household responsibilities. Meanwhile, men went to war, took up jobs, worked in factories, and toiled in fields—because they were physically stronger.
This gradually placed all major household decisions in men’s hands since they were the ones bringing in money or food. There are two things to consider here. First, if women had received the same education, physical training, combat training, and weapon-handling skills as men back then, would men still have been able to monopolize 364 days of the year? Today, through education, fitness training, and social awareness, women are proving themselves equal in every field—whether it’s piloting planes, launching rockets, or handling weapons. Then why should only one day be dedicated to them? Women, rise! Strengthen your voice! Every day of the year is yours—live every day as your own!
Second, when some people mockingly say, “A woman can never do what a man can,” why should we stay silent? Ask them to give birth to a child and show us! Let them experience firsthand that there are things women can do that men never can! There was a time when women weren’t even allowed to vote. New Zealand was the first self-governing country to grant women suffrage. But think about it—who has the authority to ‘grant’ rights to whom? This very notion is insulting! Women, you were born with your rights! No one has the authority to ‘give’ you something that is inherently yours.
Historically, the first official Women’s Day was observed on February 28, 1909, in New York City, organized by the Socialist Party of America. Inspired by this, communist activist and politician Clara Zetkin proposed the observance of “Working Women’s Day,” which was approved at the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen. However, no specific date was assigned at that time. The first protests and commemorations across Europe began the following year. In 1922, Vladimir Lenin declared March 8th as International Women’s Day to honor women’s role in the Russian Revolution. Over time, socialist and communist movements continued to observe it until the United Nations officially recognized it in 1977, making it a global mainstream celebration.
Over the ages, through endless struggles and demands for equal rights, women have fought their way to strength and independence. This is not a crown that a queen has inherited or one that a king lovingly placed on her head. A woman stands where she stands today because of her own efforts, her own hard-earned platform. Back when she wasn’t physically prepared for battle, did anyone come forward to grant her rights or salute her for raising the next generation? No! Instead, men imposed their authority over the household and claimed the power to make all decisions. Then why do men today ‘wish’ women on Women’s Day? Is it an act of pity? Is this pity directed at women, or is it a form of self-loathing for their long-standing selfishness and arrogance?
You might think I am against any form of celebration. I am not. I love celebrating certain days—like my birthday, because it marks the beginning of my existence. Similarly, I celebrate my ‘Self-Realization Day’—the day in March 2024 when I broke free from the shackles of living under my husband’s commands. It has been a year since I have made my own decisions, and I sleep peacefully knowing that my life belongs to me. Why should Women’s Day be celebrated when women have existed on this earth forever?
Maybe I am overthinking. But change has never come to any society without deep thought. Some of us must take the responsibility to think. And that’s how I find my peace—knowing that all 365 days of the year belong to me.
Toronto, Canada
