International Women’s Day was observed on March 8. This year’s theme was `Rights. Justice. Action For ALL Women and Girls’. This theme aligns with the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which focuses on strengthening access to justice for all women and girls. It calls for dismantling discriminatory laws, strengthening legal protections, addressing structural barriers, and ensuring that justice systems work for women and girls in practice. International Women’s Day grew out of labour movements in North America and Europe at the turn of the twentieth century. It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977. The date is linked to 1917, when women in Russia went on strike demanding `bread and peace’. The protest began on February 23 in the Julian calendar, which corresponds to March 8 in the Gregorian calendar used internationally. Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide, recognising women’s achievements across social, economic, and political spheres and serving as a platform to strengthen global support for women’s rights and participation. India’s approach has also evolved from development for women to women-led development, recognizing women as drivers of economic and social progress. The Constitution guarantees equality and universal adult franchise, ensuring women equal rights and participation in India’s democratic process. The government initiatives across education, health, financial inclusion, and safety are strengthening the ecosystem for women’s empowerment. Self-Help Groups, entrepreneurship schemes, and skilling programmes are expanding women’s economic participation and enterprise creation. From academics to business and from military to administration, the women are proving their mettle in every sphere of life. Just a few days ago, 299 women cracked the UPSC Civil Service Exam. The top 25 candidates comprise 11 women and 14 men. Rajeshwari Suve M from Tamil Nadu secured AIR 2. Jammu and Kashmir does not lag in women’s empowerment. Over 2.09 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis in the last two years in the Union Territory. Name any country and any big institution, and you will come across a Kashmiri. Who can forget Sheetal Devi, India’s youngest Paralympic medallist? She won bronze in an archery event at the Paris Paralympics. Just recently, Sharida Rashid Khan of Qazigund cracked the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Judicial) Examination 2025. Three years before, Tasneem Kawoos topped the J&K Civil Services (Judicial) Examination. Women’s teams for Rugby, Football, Cricket, Volleyball, Kabaddi, and Hockey are operational across 20 districts. Women are making their presence felt in Jammu and Kashmir. Yet there is still a long way to go to achieve complete equity. We need to invest more in women for a brighter future. Our policymakers need to encourage girls to scale new heights. Our focus should be on villages and small towns. We need to give a voice to the voiceless and create ample opportunities for women to excel. Even the sky is not the limit for girls, given a chance. Girls, continue to make us proud!
Future is female
