A more inclusive Women's day?

Women's day is rightfully celebrated every year. That's wonderful. However, in all the posts in LinkedIn, and generally elsewhere, I see a pattern which looks very skewed to me. 

We celebrate the well known, articulate ones. Nothing wrong with that. But they are not the only ones. Their struggles pale in comparison with the women around us 

- the vegetable vendor lady in the local market, who lost her husband, but through the grieving period, had to continue the business for a living, supported by her daughter who was in school at that time. 

- the lady who used to come to our house long ago, very early in the morning - so early in the morning that she would wake us up, and was known among us by the pet name of "First Lady". She still wanted to work, so that she had financial independence and did not want to be dependent on the whims and fancies of her sons. 

- the young women who study in the software degree program in rural Karnataka - who travel great distances to learn software in their degree program. A place where bus connectivity to the interiors is very poor. Some of them have to leave their children in school early morning, and then catch the bus. 

... The list goes on. Surely you know many more. Think of them. 

I also see a bias towards celebration of "successful" women. Why are we so obsessed with portraying "success" alone?

- what about the single mother who works two shifts, just to take care of her child, and pursue her profession?

- what about the countless women in all industries, including IT, who have to keep to some mindless punching rules at work to satisfy certain billing expectations, all the while worrying about her 5 year old daughter who is left at home with the Ayah, because her husband stays late at work for conference calls? Ah, her woes does not stop there. She has to come back home and prepare fresh dinner for her family!

- what about the many women in our lives who chose to stay at home, to make the house a home, and who do not claim it a sacrifice that she is not working? But you walk into a wonderful home of laughter of kids and family.

... The list again goes on!

What is the point of celebrating the life of the well known women in the industry in Bangalore, if your workplace is not sensitive to the silent worries of a young mother, who has to work to repay the loan? Do you push her to make an either or choice, insensitively? Or do you look at how you can be more empathetic to her needs? Do you talk to her?

What is the point of celebrating success of women unknown to you, who have made millions, and who donate millions too, when next to you at work sits a women whose silent cries go unheard about the terror of living with a man who abuses her? Do you have a safe place at your workplace where she can share her woes, get help? Or are you saying, I do not care what happens to you in your private life?

What's the point of celebrating success of some famous women, if you still bargain with the local vegetable vendor for reducing 5 rupees, while that 5 rupees make a lot of difference to her children?

Let us celebrate life around us. Women around us. See if we are kind to one another. See if we can at least make their life a little more easier?

Thoughtful approaches in your attitude as a boss?

Thoughtful approach in your HR policy making?

Thoughtful approach in not bargaining for small amounts which are way below your income?

That would make a real celebration women's day for the women around you - and not just on March 8th, but from now on!

Happy Women's day. Forever!