International Women's Day 2023
8 March 2023
by Anisha Pemjee and Kirtan Bhana
March 8 is celebrated all over the world as International Women’s Day. In the early 1900’s women, fighting for equal rights, started protest actions to make their voices heard. This has certainly influenced where the world is today in terms of gender equality.
In a joyous event that coincided with the celebration of the Indian tradition of Holi, women were honoured by the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg on International Women’s Day. Consul General Mahesh Kumar in his remarks on the occasion said, “We recognize their work and celebrate their success. The Inspiration Quotient in each of these stories is terrific. Selection of the stars for this event was challenging, but this has been a happy difficulty. The number of women achievers is growing.”
Inspirational women who were instrumental in sponsoring and organising the event took to the podium sharing their stories, and offering advice. These included Shaveta Mehta, Executive Board Member of India Business Forum, Indherani Reddy, CEO of Regenesys Business School and Brenda Kali, CEO of Conscious Companies.
“Whose permission do women need to be equal?” asked Brenda. Women are two thirds of the population, said Indherani, questioning the relevance of a patriarchal society that has shaped the narrative. Shaveta spoke of the abilities of women as problem solvers, especially their enterprising capabilities in business. She called for better access and a just and equitable society which are the ingredients for prosperity.
Resoundingly the messages were of empowerment, of sisterhood, nurturing, taking up space, being authentic, caring, educating and lifting each other up. By no means is the strife to be equal to men, as it is understood that the genders are different and both can excel.
“Empowering women politically, socially, and economically has been a significant policy objective of the Government of India. We attach utmost importance to strengthening the representation of women in decision-making positions,” said Kumar.
“India is one of the few countries to have had a Head of State, Head of Government, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and External Affairs Minister at its helm as women.
“We are also proud that the first woman President of the General Assembly, Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, was from India, as was Dr. Hansa Mehta, whose contribution to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is remembered even now,” added Kumar.
Speaking about the strides made in woman empowerment Kumar said that India is moving away from women’s development to women-led development and today, in India, more than 1.3 million elected women representatives lead in formulating and implementing public policies at the grassroots level.
Small businesses are instrumental in any economy and in recognition of this the Government of India “provides small collateral-free loans to encourage entrepreneurship and self-employment. You will be happy to note that about 70% of the loans are availed by women-owned and operated enterprises,” Kumar said.
Women in India are active in all sectors and women scientists have played a vital role in research and development in various fields, including the tech industry. About 27% of the key executive positions in spearheading the “Mars Orbiter Mission” were led by Indian women.
Professor Mandeep Kaur, a researcher at the University of Witwatersrand received special acknowledgement for her ground-breaking work for the treatment of breast cancer. Having obtained a Phd in India, Kaur worked at various universities in Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Her research has the potential to change and better the lives of many women across the world.
In the vibrant, joyous spirit of Holi which celebrates the arrival of Spring in India, the festival of colours is an expression of happiness, playfulness and renewal. Intenational Women’s Day was once again an opportunity to acknowledge women in all their avatars as the event brought together women from different walks of life to share their stories and connect and forge new relationships.