MARCH 8 is observed as International Women’s Day and it is a time we celebrate with love our mothers, sisters, daughters and wives and honour their contributions, big and small, to the family, community and country.
Many women through their hard work, diligence, education and leadership qualities have become exemplary models and serve as an inspiration to others.
Throughout history womenkind, despite being described as the fairer sex, better half and weaker sex, have had a tougher time compared to their male counterparts.
However, despite hardships facing women, things are certainly getting better.
The 21st century has been envisioned as the Century of Women as women are poised to make great progress in all walks of life due to their education and emancipation from conservative societies that restricted their advancement and potential.
Women are already becoming transformative and dynamic in various societies and countries, and are increasingly helming political, social and corporate positions and excelling and even overtaking men.
The future can only get better and brighter, and women in high positions need to tirelessly campaign and lobby for equal opportunities for women.
On this Women’s Day I would like to highlight a Pakistani police officer, an ASP named Sheher Bano Naqvi who rescued a woman wearing a dress that had Arabic calligraphy on it and which was mistaken for verses from the Holy Koran – from being lynched for blasphemy in Lahore, Pakistan.
Blasphemy is a serious and sensitive offence in the country and offenders are normally lynched by mobs before the police arrive to save the victim.
The brave and noble act of the police officer has been lauded in Pakistan and worldwide. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman had invited the lady to Saudi Arabia as his royal guest and has given her a befitting award for her selfless devotion to duty and bravery.
Meanwhile, in India, the police are in hot pursuit of seven culprits who had sexually assaulted a female Brazilian tourist in the state of Jharkhand.
These two unrelated events show the two facets of women especially in terms of their bravery and vulnerability.
Women leaders need to go out of their way to help other women whether it is to create more socio-economic opportunities, better protection for the weaker sex or ending all forms of discrimination.
With an equal relationship between men and women the world will become a better place and this should be one of the messages of Women’s day. – March 8, 2024
V. Thomas
Sungai Buloh, Selangor
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: Mashable SEA
