Ghulam Ali Akhtar To keep this world inhabited, nature created both men and women, and instilled in them natural emotions and hormones that would draw them to each other while fostering a sense of mutual respect and appreciation. The foundation of human society is based on this mutual relationship, cooperation, and balance. However, over time, human attitudes changed, and this balance was gradually affected. As a result, an era began where discrimination and inequality were promoted, and a wave of gender bias swept through society, leading to women being considered inferior creatures. In some societies, they were treated in a manner that was often worse than the treatment of animals. They were regarded merely as objects of pleasure, and their personalities were viewed as things rather than as human beings. Unfortunately, the roots of this mindset still exist in many societies today. Although awareness and consciousness about women's rights have increased in various parts of the world, the reality is that even today, in many places, women do not have the rights, representation, and equality they deserve. It is clear that equality here does not mean being opposed to one another, but rather justice and fairness for women.
Iqbal beautifully expressed the importance and value of women in a poem: "The presence of women brings color to the picture of the universe, Their melody gives life its rhythm and harmony." This poem points to the fact that women are not just a part of society, but its soul and symbol of beauty.
Some philosophical ideas have also played a role in perpetuating discrimination against women. Throughout history, certain philosophers' thoughts have further strengthened this mindset. For example, consider Socrates' theory: "There is no greater evil or corruption in the world than women. They are like a tree that appears beautiful and attractive but can be deadly if consumed."
Similarly, Plato's quote: "The most unjust and despicable men in the world become women in the afterlife."
In many historical periods, biased ideas about women were not only promoted but also given philosophical justification. This line of thinking further deepened gender discrimination in society.
Some religious interpretations and social traditions have also contributed to the promotion of gender bias. Although the fundamental teachings of religions are based on humanity, justice, and equality, over time, certain societies have developed interpretations that have limited women's status. Discussing these today is considered highly sensitive, so it is avoided.
As gender injustice and bias intensified, women began to raise their voices against it. They organized a struggle to achieve their rights and put an end to exploitation. To highlight this struggle on a global level, the concept of an international day was proposed, and thus, International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th every year to reduce gender bias in society and raise awareness about women's rights.
The idea of celebrating this day was first proposed by German socialist leader Clara Zetkin in 1910. She suggested that a specific day each year should be dedicated to highlighting women's rights and demands in every country. Her proposal was agreed upon by women from seventeen countries.
Looking at the history of International Women's Day, the first celebration took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Two years later, on March 8, 1913, it was officially designated as International Women's Day. This decision was also influenced by a significant event in 1908 when approximately 15,000 women marched in New York, demanding voting rights, fair wages, and shorter working hours. Almost a year later, on February 28, 1909, the first National Women's Day was celebrated in the United States with the support of the Socialist Party of America.
Later, in 1975, which was declared the International Year of Women, the United Nations officially began celebrating March 8 as International Women's Day. Since then, the UN has also assigned a specific theme each year to highlight women's issues from different perspectives.
These themes have included "Celebrating past achievements and planning for the future" in 1996, "Women and peace" in 1997, "Women and human rights" in 1998, "A world free of violence against women" in 1999, "Women united for peace" in 2000, "Women and peace" in 2001, "Afghan women today: realities and possibilities" in 2002, "Gender equality and sustainable development goals" in 2003, "Women and HIV/AIDS" in 2004, "Gender equality beyond 2005: building a safer future" in 2005, "Women in decision-making: meeting challenges and changing lives" in 2006, "Ending impunity for violence against women and girls" in 2007, "Investing in women and girls" in 2008, "Women and men united to end violence against women and girls" in 2009, "Equal rights, equal opportunities: progress for all" in 2010, "Equal access to education, training, science, and technology" in 2011, "Empowering rural women, ending hunger and poverty" in 2012, "A promise is a promise: time for action to end violence against women" in 2013, "Equality for women, progress for all" in 2014, "Empowering women, empowering humanity" in 2015, "Planet 50-50 by 2030: step it up for gender equality" in 2016, "Women in a changing world: planet 50-50 by 2030" in 2017, "Time is now: rural and urban activists transforming women's lives" in 2018, "Think equal, build smart, innovate for change" in 2019, "I am generation equality: realizing women's rights" in 2020, "Women's leadership: achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world" in 2021, "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow" in 2022, "DigitALL: innovation and technology for gender equality" in 2023, "Investing in women: accelerating progress towards a planet 50-50 by 2030" in 2024, and "Accelerating the process of empowering all women and girls, and achieving equality, rights, and opportunities" in 2025. This year's theme for 2026 is "Rights, justice, and action for all women and girls."
Although there has been an increase in awareness about women's rights globally, the situation in our society is still not entirely satisfactory. According to the Global Gender Gap Report, if the current trend continues, it may take approximately two hundred years to achieve complete gender equality worldwide.
In our society, due to the prevalent patriarchal system, countless girls are still confined to their homes. If we look at the state of education, according to the Annual Status of Education Report, a large number of girls are engaged in household chores instead of attending school. Similarly, about thirty-two percent of girls between the ages of fourteen and eighteen are forced to drop out of school due to domestic pressures and social barriers. These statistics reflect the deep-seated gender discrimination and educational challenges faced by girls in our society.
The primary objective of International Women's Day is to create a society that is free from prejudice, stereotypes, and bias. A society where women have their basic rights. It is also essential to address the violence and oppression faced by women.
Even today, many women are victims of cruelty and injustice due to dowry and other unnecessary reasons. To change this situation, it is necessary for every individual to start by reforming their own home. Girls should be provided with quality education, made self-sufficient, and given the authority to make decisions after being consulted in domestic and social matters. Similarly, increasing women's representation in government and non-governmental institutions is also crucial. The government must fulfill its responsibilities honestly. It is not enough to make grand claims about women's welfare during election campaigns; tangible change should be visible on the ground.
Especially women who get elected to parliament or assemblies should, beyond party lines, raise a united voice for women's issues. Unfortunately, often when women from the opposition raise an issue, women in power try to suppress it to defend their party. As a result, women's genuine problems get lost in political squabbles.
It is essential to address the issue of women's rights with sincerity, beyond politics. Because a healthy and developed society is only possible when both men and women have equal opportunities and respect.
