In India since ancient times, we believe, Shakti is nature and nature is Shakti. And that’s why we worship Mother Earth. She is the power that nurtures the seed of life and directs it to fruition. It is also a common belief that men are dependent on women for a lot of things. She is the life-giver, food-giver and caregiver. She is blessed with the power of provision. This amazing power turns her into a transformer naturally. In our scriptures as well, she is the dynamic energy behind creation, sustenance, and the annihilation of the universe. Without this energy nothing in this universe would happen. She inspires Lord Shiva, a latent energy in the form of consciousness, to create as well as destroy and Ardhnarishvar is an iconic representation of the wonderful idea of the Shiva-Shakti confluence. Woman power thus holds up half the sky. Making Lives Better Further, in the modern context, all over the world, and in different walks of life, women are doing wonders. They are conceptualizing, designing, building, creating, and innovating to make lives better in their surroundings. They are playing an important role for themselves, their families, societies as well as country. They are also bestowed with the quality of building bridges thereby connecting people. Their collective effort often results in a prosperous and conscious society. Women’s equality, undoubtedly, is an important way to raise individuals and countries out of poverty. It’s also a way to deal with climate change, and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow Women, moreover, know how to create an equitable future. Because for quite a long time they survived being at the receiving end and know what the meaning of inequality is. So, let’s welcome the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day- ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’. It is recognizing the incredible role of women and girls around the globe. It recognizes how they are taking a lead in issues of utmost importance, especially climate change and ways to build a more sustainable future for everyone. Undeniably, without gender equality, a sustainable future will remain out of reach. The theme, therefore, aims to recognise and celebrate women leaders who are doing great work for tackling the climate crisis and advocating sustainability. Women are Leaders, both Outside and at Home Many women, both in the urban and rural areas, have now become the drivers of social change. With skills at hand, they are heading corporates, non-governmental organizations, and efficiently working as homemakers heading day-to-day activities of a household. The multiple roles played by women show that once a woman realizes the power within and keeps faith in it, nothing can stop her from progressing. Dr Archika Didi
