Women’s Day: Celebration or Distraction?

I am not against the idea of Women's Day but I am not in for celebration of women’s day

I acknowledge the importance of observing such days to bring more attention to empowerment, awareness, and the violations of women's rights that happen daily.

The purpose of observing such days should be to reflect on the work done throughout the year and assess whether inequality has been reduced or how much more effort is needed.

However, I am strongly against the idea of celebrating it as a special occasion where, out of the blue, everyone suddenly starts talking about women. As a women/HUMAN and a psychologist, I have problem with this.

I have my own reasons for this.

When corporations celebrate Women’s Day, they often over-glamorize the daily struggles of women by portraying them as effortlessly juggling multiple roles. While I respect those who do so by choice, not everyone can or wants to, and no one should be made to feel guilty for not doing so. This is a clear act of benevolent sexism, and I strongly dislike it because I see many women struggling with internalized sexism due to these expectations and the guilt imposed on them.
I believe that when people use this day for unnecessary lunch dates, "pink lunches," or dance events under the guise of celebrating women, it shifts the already weak spotlight ("The light is dim, with low-battery torches when it comes to human rights.") away from its actual purpose. Instead of addressing real issues—such as awareness, systemic violence, abuse, sexually degrading comments, pay disparities, or the dismissal of a woman's arguments as mere "mood swings" or "period moods"—these superficial celebrations dilute the significance of the day.
I have seen such celebrations focus on how women are supposedly privileged by laws, how they are "empowered" to come to work, and how they should be grateful for the freedom they are given. But this raises important questions:

Who are these people granting freedom, and why do they assume the authority to do so?
Why should freedom be something given by someone else rather than an inherent right?
And are women truly free? Many women go to work after preparing food for everyone at home—some of whom may stay behind just to be served—only to return home, clean, and feel guilty for not spending enough time with their children. Meanwhile, the other "equal" parent might be taking a nap after a long day at work. Is this what empowerment looks like?
Violence against women has not decreased—it has increased. Check the National Crime Bureau for the numbers.
The sale of pepper sprays continues to rise, indicating that women still feel unsafe.
While laws exist to protect women, more than half of crimes go unreported. Even when they are reported, victims are often shamed, questioned about their clothing choices, or choices to go out, and, in the most ironic twist, sometimes even pressured into marrying their rapists to normalize marital rape.

4. I have also seen people giving credit to men for making workplaces safe for women, as if basic human decency is something to be celebrated. Why should we applaud someone for simply not making others feel unsafe? I find it laughable. The POSH Act exists for a reason, and I don’t think I need to say it again - But unfortunately I have to.

5. Mental Health and Social Conditioning: As a mental health practitioner, I see firsthand how these systemic inequalities impact women’s psychological well-being. The pressure to “do it all,” the guilt imposed for choosing differently, and the societal conditioning that normalizes suffering as a virtue lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout. Many internalize these struggles as personal failures rather than symptoms of a flawed system. True empowerment is not about glorifying endurance but addressing the root causes that make survival itself a struggle.

So, are women truly free or not? Let’s discuss, educate ourselves, re-educate those around us, and observe International Women's Day with awareness and action.

PS: And to that random person who is about to say, "These women never get happy with anything!"—Yes, sir, I do not feel happy or content in a world where inequality prevails, where human rights are violated—whether it’s based on gender, religion, race, financial situation, class, or language. What to do? Unfortunately, I have a conscience to answer to.

Real change begins with awareness, conversation, and action. Don’t just ‘celebrate’—question, reflect, and challenge the status quo. Share this with those who need to hear it. Let’s make every day about real empowerment.

Shuhaima Hanna Katti

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