It s the International Women’s Day again. First celebrated in Copenhagen in 1910, this March 8, 2010 marks its centenary celebration.

What has the International Women’s Day got to do with you and I?

This is a day when women are recognized for their achievements regardless of the ethnic, culture, economics, or politics. This is an occasion to contemplate accomplishments of women who have influenced and shaped our world.  More importantly, it is a day that we can look ahead to as more opportunities and potentials are unleashed for the next generations of young and budding women.

It isn’t so long ago that women were not “supposed” to get too much education or hold certain professions or positions. In some parts of the world, parents still prefer having boys to girls.


Just last month we hear of the alarming decline female population due to female foeticide and female genocide(sex-selective abortions and killing of females). Some never made it to the world. And this is going to cause social imbalance; as is already being experienced in some parts of Asia.

Incidentally, the United Nation’s themes for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For All.

I just want to take this opportunity to appreciate women.
Women who work quietly behind the scene and women who have taken the road less traveled. Women who have paved the way for the next generation. Women who sacrifice their own interests and taken care of people around them. Women who played multiple roles and juggled many balls to care for those around them. They have collectively brought contribution and advancement to society and mankind.

The Independent published a list of 100 women who helped changed the world. I hope this inspires you. (In case you wonder why Mother Teresa is not there, this only refers to British women).

There are many ways we can participate in “changing the world”.  We can start by adding value to and influencing the girls in our community.  One concrete way is to be role models for the young women, our next generation.

They are constantly and silently looking for guidance, role models, examples to follow and mentors. It is up to us to blaze the trail for them, as many unsung heroines have done for us. At this point I am thinking of and missing my grandma …

To all the women who have supported and shaped my life, Happy International Women’s Day! (And yes you can start singing John Lennon’s “Women”).

Pass this on to the women who have made a difference in your life. Appreciate them and be thankful that they are here to support and encourage you.