The Incurable Romantic Ponders International Women’s Day

Technically International Women’s Day should be my favourite day. On the 8^th of March, all women should be recognised for their achievements regardless of their national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political heritage. It is also a day to honour the struggles and accomplishments of the women from the past and mainly to look into the opportunities and potential for the younger generation of women.

It is only in 1975, during the International Women’s Year that the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8^th. In 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States depending on their historical and national traditions.

On paper, this sounds fabulous and there is no doubt that the situation, opportunities

( both academic and professional) and rights of women have increased and improved since the beginning of the 20^th century.

But take a good look around you and begin to observe the women you know.

How many are having fulfilled professional and personal lives? Not many amongst my buddies. Those who are having successful careers find themselves either single or abandoned by their partners who would much prefer being with a younger version of their nurturing mamas than with confident superwomen!

Most girls who are holding good positions often find themselves getting home by 9pm, eating either Maggi Noddles or a huge meal which will leave some serious damage in the hip and stomach region. As their bank account grows larger, so will their body frame while their chances of hitting the jackpot “date” lessens by the minute.

Those who are full time mothers and wives recollect with nostalgia the times when they were once wage earners with bank accounts in their name!

Cynical am I? No just truthful

Then on a personal basis. Boys, once you decide to get into a relationship, please cut the umbilical cord with mama and in some cases with the nosy sister. Continue to love them, of course, but switch roles; become the protector not the forever protected!! If our local men got that right from the beginning, the divorce rate in Sri Lanka would drop by a few notches.

And women, Oh ladies, changes comes within you!

A few months ago, my mum had some friends over for lunch. I got dressed up, traded the flip flops for pretty shoes, wore eye make up and looked like a picture of happiness.

One of the ladies at the party told me: “Hello darling, you are here now? When are you going back?”

With a straight face and a healed heart I answered: “I have been here for the past two years and  I am divorced!”. Much to my surprise this generally dignified lady gave me a little slap on my buttocks and said :” WHY DID YOU LET THIS HAPPEN???”.

Two years ago such a reaction would have broken me to pieces, but I knew that I was going to be fine when I answered: “Most people with average intelligence always put the blame on the woman. I can give you his number and you can ask him first what went wrong!”

A woman who wants it all, the love, the career, the babies and a husband with whom she could have an intellectually stimulating conversation is looked at like she is an alien or worse a “picky and choosy” human being. But let’s reverse the situation and tell me honestly, if a man wanted all those things, would he be a “good” guy, a “perfect catch” or some weirdo who isn’t in touch with his macho genes?

I could go on for a few more pages about the plight and challenges encountered by us women; but I do have limited space and one god start would be to begin with oneself.

On International Women’s Day, do something for you, something pleasant and make one decision which will change for your life for the better…get fit, get another degree, decide that you will be happy………..

As one of my dear professors always said: “ Go out there and think deep thoughts.”!

Happy Women’s Day my fellow romantics………..