On this International Women’s Day, I pay tribute to all the women across the world. Every woman is special. This day is a celebration of the battles we have fought to survive in a patriarchal society. Women are often seen as vulnerable, and global crises—such as post-pandemic struggles and wars—have only highlighted this further. Domestic violence, child marriage, and the abduction of young girls have surged under the guise of these crises. The lockdowns forced victims of domestic abuse into silence, proving once again how women are easy targets for various crimes. Acid attacks, gang rapes, and kidnappings have become tragically commonplace, reinforcing that true liberation can only be achieved when societal attitudes change.
Education is the most powerful tool to bridge the gap between oppression and empowerment. A well-balanced society depends on a strong, educated woman, as she plays a crucial role in shaping families and communities. Through knowledge, women can challenge prejudices, change perspectives, and assert their rights, ultimately reducing the prevalence of gender-based violence. This Women’s Day, let’s focus on resilience, education, and the power of our minds to explore womanhood in its truest sense.
It’s High Time We Bury the Myths Around Menstruation
For centuries, menstruation has been treated as a taboo, a source of shame, and even a sin. Across cultures, numerous restrictions have been imposed on menstruating women—banning them from temples, kitchens, and social gatherings. Many were forced into isolation, bearing both physical pain and societal ostracization in silence.
Superstitions surrounding menstruation have deepened the suffering of women. In a male-dominated society, girls were taught to hide their fear and shame, using inadequate materials like dry leaves, ash, or rags instead of proper sanitary products. The lack of access to menstrual hygiene products continues to be a major issue, with sanitary pads still considered a luxury for many.
A long list of dos and don’ts governs menstruating women: restrictions on cooking, bathing, sleeping arrangements, and participation in celebrations. But why? Menstruation is a natural biological process linked to fertility and reproduction—shouldn’t that be a cause for celebration rather than shame? It is time to break this vicious cycle and normalize menstruation.
Even today, women in rural areas strictly adhere to outdated cultural myths, while in urban areas, many still hesitate to attend festivals or family events during their periods. While government campaigns and awareness drives have been launched to challenge these taboos, true change must come from within. The real impurity lies not in menstruation, but in the mindset that stigmatizes it. By adopting a broader, more enlightened perspective, we can free our society from these harmful beliefs.
An Open Letter to Patriarchal Society: Wake Up!
Dear Patriarchal Society,
What is the role of a woman? What is her true significance? From birth, we teach girls to be submissive, conditioning them to hesitate rather than lead. The consequences of this flawed upbringing are evident: in a world where a girl is not even safe in her own home, how can she ever truly feel secure?
How many more Nirbhayas must suffer before we demand justice? How many more innocent girls must be brutalized before society wakes up? It is time to break free from patriarchal shackles and embrace true equality.
To the men of society—watch your thoughts, not my clothes. The real danger to society is not women’s attire but the predators who lurk without fear of consequence. Rapists are a cancer to civilization, destroying its moral fabric. The legal system must take a firm stand with fast-track courts and strict punishments to deter these crimes. But laws alone are not enough—women’s empowerment is the ultimate solution.
A fundamental shift in mindset is the need of the hour. Women must support one another, uplift one another, and stand together. A girl’s upbringing should prioritize her emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. Her education should not be an afterthought—it should be a right, a necessity, and a priority. An educated woman is an empowered woman, and an empowered woman transforms society.
Financial independence is equally crucial. True liberation comes when a woman has the means to support herself. Economic empowerment begins with quality education, career opportunities, and financial literacy. By fostering an environment where women can thrive, we lay the foundation for a more just and balanced society.
The time for change is now. Let us raise homes and societies where women don’t just survive, but truly thrive.
With hope,
A Woman
By Sudipta Mishra
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