Just one day for these Women at work …..???

March 8, is celebrated as International Women's Day (IWD) and this has crossed a century of years beginning on March 19 in 1911 in Austria. 

 “Women are half of the world’s population, do two-thirds of the work, get one-tenth of the income, and are the owners of one per cent of the property” is a famous quote from the famed lady Krishna Ahooja-Patel – India.  

The major chunks of women populace in India are just spectators of the speed and technology adding value to the society.  They are not partners of it though they contribute towards every aspect of the growth in all walks of life.  

When the opportunity does not show up to you, look out and snatch it,  is the attitude that every Indian Woman needs today.  Ask, demand and fight for everything that is yours by right.
 I notice so many Women Construction workers go back to do all the domestic chores after a long and tough day at site.  They need the right kind of working gear so that they are protected and are safe.         

I visited many tea plantations  during holidays and always found women employed more in number for obvious reasons.  Women in India are similar to all other women across the Globe, they face the same day to day problems physically, biologically however they lack the comfort zones socially and politically enjoyed by their Global counterparts. The necessary labour laws have to be in place and implemented .

I often visit the local weekly market to purchase vegetables and fruits for the week.  I prefer to shop consumables from the locals than in the branded stores.  I developed excellent rapport with the women who come to sell regularly and the little ones tagging along their moms. Few of us from our colony organised a small play area for all these kiddos to be at by while the moms are busy. We organise some fun activities, share some eatables with them, tell stories or play a movie.  Believe you me, this makes the mothers so happy and they say that all of them look forward to the market day in our area.

 I visited a small town,  famous for the temple of Lord Shani in Mandapalli of east Godavari district. I stayed with a family who offer bed and breakfast to pilgrims visiting the town.  The woman of the house surprised me to no end. Do not think that I am exaggerating when I say that she does gardening, stitching, cooking for the guests and takes tuitions apart from the routine duties of the house hold.  She has an excellent and pleasant disposition despite all this work.  She cooked for us using the vegetables from her garden, provided a typical Andhra style stay and gifted my girls with two scarves beautifully embroidered with their initials.  

All my experiences of travel, be it daily commuting to work, official tours or a holiday with family have been enriched by chance meetings with fine women of quality, strength and will.  I learnt so many things from these women and evolved as an individual and I salute to all of them on this day.


The ‘Nalini by day and Nancy by night’ out sourcing job holding women make me wonder about them.  I know many who prefer to work in the night so that they can care for their families in the day.  Well women, when do you plan to take care of your selves,  is my constant question.  The position, package and the appraisals do not make up for all the quality personal time and health you lose working against the biological clock. I quote Swami Vivekananda, ' Arise! Awake! and stop not till the goal is reached. ' Women of India have  been doubling up to meet the expectations of the society for centuries. And certainly  have the potential to gather the will  to make a difference and add value to their status and lives.  Supportive leadership and consistent motivation will certainly catalyze this movement.

 A promise by every woman of India to take good care of herself coupled with a strong  political will of the Government of India to facilitate the same are required to really ‘Celebrate’ this day. Charity begins at home is my belief and I pledge today to spend one weekend of every month towards this cause of educating     ' these women at work ' by partaking in any relevant activities held at Hyderabad.