Did you know, the first collective International Women’s Day was celebrated in Delhi on 8 March 1984? The function was organised at Qudsia Bagh near Kashmere Gate, ISBT, in which organisations like Action India, Ankur, Saheli, Manushi and PRIA had taken part.
This year, at PRIA Head Office, celebrations started with lunch and a viewing of the movie ‘Queen’ followed by a brief discussion on this year’s theme, #Pledge for Parity.
Discussions started with the history of celebrating women’s day all across the globe, and PRIA’s own history of working on women’s issues. Programmes like
Kadam Badhate Chalo talk about achieving parity for girls and women in all spheres of life. This programme focuses on ending violence against women and girls, talks about equal opportunities for them in education, employment and about freedom to move around and take decisions for themselves. Encouraging women and giving them opportunities is very essential for them to take advantages of the choices they are presented with and excel in them. Family support is very important for women to come forward.
Some colleagues spoke about the restrictions women face 24X7 within their families and society. Uneasiness in relationships between women and men exists due to socialization. It was opined that this is a very weak area of socialization.
The discussion also pointed out that women need to respect and value oneself as a human being. Unless we respect ourselves, we cannot expect it from others. If we don't respect ourselves as women, we often develop an inferiority complex which further adds to feelings of helplessness.
International Women's Day was also celebrated in several PRIA field offices, including Jaipur, Hyderabad, Raipur and Muzaffarpur.
