Celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, 2023 By Raj Shah

Today, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and call for gender equality and the elimination of discrimination against women.

Let us acknowledge the tremendous contributions that women have made to society and recognize the ongoing challenges that women face in achieving equality in all aspects of life. Let us commit to supporting and empowering women to reach their full potential and work together to create a world where all women and girls can thrive and live without fear of violence or oppression.

Let us celebrate the courage and resilience of women who have paved the way for future generations and continue to fight for the rights and dignity of women everywhere. Together, we can build a better world for all.

Let me list 10 specific areas where the modern world has to pay attention and make sure every woman and girl has the opportunity to participate.

1. Education: Education is one of the most important ways to empower women, as it helps them gain knowledge and skills and enables them to participate in the economy, society, and politics.
2. Economic empowerment: Women’s economic empowerment involves giving them access to resources, credit, and capital to start and run their own businesses and ensuring equal pay for equal work.
3. Leadership: Women’s leadership is essential for achieving gender equality and promoting women’s rights, and increasing the number of women in leadership positions can inspire and motivate other women to pursue leadership roles.
4. Health: Access to healthcare services, including reproductive health, is critical for women’s empowerment, as it allows them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
5. Political participation: Women’s political participation is essential for promoting gender equality and ensuring that women’s voices are heard and their rights are protected in policy-making processes.
6. Legal rights: Women’s empowerment requires legal reforms that recognize and protect women’s rights, including their right to own property, inherit, and divorce, among others.
7. Media and communication: Women’s access to and representation in media and communication can challenge stereotypes, promote positive images of women, and enable them to express their views and perspectives.
8. Violence prevention: Empowering women involves preventing and responding to violence against them, including sexual and gender-based violence, and ensuring that women have access to justice and support services.
9. Technology: Women’s access to technology and digital literacy can enhance their economic opportunities, facilitate communication and networking, and promote their empowerment.
10. Cultural change: Empowering women requires changing attitudes and norms that perpetuate gender inequality, including addressing gender stereotypes and challenging discriminatory practices and behaviors.

Throughout this month, we will highlight Indian and Indian-American women who have shattered the glass ceiling and achieved great success in their own field.

Let me start with Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the UN and former South Carolina Governor.

About the Author

A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of induism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a managing editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine and co-founder of Desh Videsh Media Group. Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US in 1969.

He has been instrumental in starting and promoting several community organizations such as the Indian Religious and Cultural Center and International Hindu University. Raj has written two books on Hinduism titled Chronology of Hinduism and Understanding Hinduism. He has also written several children books focusing on Hindu culture and religion.