International Women’s Day: Saluting the Women Who Shape Families and Societies

Shoiab Mohmmad Bhat

“It is rightly said that educating a woman means educating a society. When a woman gains knowledge, its benefits extend far beyond her individual success. Her awareness and wisdom influence her children, her family and ultimately the entire community.”

8th March is celebrated across the world as International Women’s Day. On this day, many countries organize different programmes, seminars, discussions, and social events to recognize the contribution of women in society. It is a day meant to appreciate the efforts of women and to highlight their importance in different fields of life.

Women contribute both inside the home and outside it. Today, we see women working in offices, corporate sectors, business organizations, educational institutions, hospitals, and many other professions. They are teachers, doctors, administrators, scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Their participation in different professions has helped societies grow and progress. Women today are contributing to the development of nations in many ways.

However, Women’s Day should not only focus on the achievements of women in workplaces or public life. It should also remind us of the unseen and often unrecognized work done by women inside the home. The role of women within families is extremely important, even though it is rarely discussed or appreciated.

From the very beginning of life, a woman plays a powerful role in shaping the future generation. From the womb to the outside world, a mother carries the responsibility of nurturing a child. She goes through pain, sacrifice, and countless challenges to bring a child into the world. After birth, the responsibility of upbringing begins, which requires patience, care, and continuous dedication.

A mother takes care of the physical needs of her children. Moreover, a mother imparts moral values to her children, disciplines them, and helps them differentiate between right and wrong. She guides them emotionally to become good citizens of the country.

It is rightly said that educating a woman means educating a society. When a woman becomes educated, the benefits of her education do not remain limited to her alone. Her knowledge spreads to her children and family members. Through her guidance, the entire family learns and grows.

Education does not simply mean reading books or obtaining degrees for the sake of jobs. Real education means understanding life, developing wisdom, and learning how to face and solve problems in different situations. An educated woman knows how to manage responsibilities, make good decisions, and guide her children with knowledge and understanding.

When a mother is educated and aware, she raises children who are responsible, kind, and respectful. In this way, she indirectly contributes to building a better society.

The contribution of mothers in shaping individuals is often beyond words. Many successful people admit that whatever they have achieved in life is largely because of their mother’s sacrifices and support. A mother spends her entire life thinking about the well-being and success of her children.

As a man, if I can do something good for society or contribute positively in any field, it is largely because of the countless sacrifices and tireless efforts of my mother. Her guidance, prayers, and constant encouragement become the foundation of a person’s success.

Islam also gives great importance to women. Women are respected and valued in different roles, such as a mother, daughter, and wife. Islamic teachings emphasize kindness, dignity, and respect towards women. Among all these roles, the status of a mother holds a very special place because of the sacrifices she makes for her children and family.

In reality, every day is Women’s Day and every day is Mother’s Day. A woman’s responsibilities never stop. Is there any day when she can take leave from household work? The answer is usually no. Her day begins early in the morning and continues until late at night.

She prepares the meals for the family, keeps the house clean, takes care of the children, and performs many other duties as well. All these jobs demand hard work, patience, and time. She does all these jobs without any desire to get thanks or any kind of reward.

Her job does not finish even when the whole family goes to sleep. If any member of the family needs something as simple as a glass of water during the night when everyone is asleep, she is the one who gets up and gives it to him or her. Whatever any member of the family needs, she tries to fulfill that with love and care.

This means that her work continues twenty-four hours a day. She may not receive awards or public recognition, but her contribution is the backbone of family life.

Most of these sacrifices go unnoticed, and this is where days like International Women’s Day help us remember to appreciate the women in our lives. It reminds us to appreciate the efforts of common mothers, daughters, and girls in our lives.

Respecting women should not be done only on this day; it should be done throughout the year by giving women dignity, opportunities, education, and so on.

This Women’s Day, let’s pause and appreciate the contributions of every woman in our lives, whether she is in business or at work, or simply devoting herself to bringing up her family.

A society that respects and values women becomes stronger, more compassionate, and more progressive. Therefore, this day should remind us to recognize the efforts of every mother, daughter, and girl, whose dedication helps shape a better future for all.

Author can be mailed at shoaibhat2018@gmail.com