(International Women’s Day)
On March 8, 2020, International Women’s Day was celebrated all over the world. In 1975, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day in the International Women’s Year, and in l977, the UN General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN International Women’s Day for women’s rights and world peace. Truly a much deserved proclamation.
Harkening back to my childhood, I remember Mother’s ever presence, making sure that the household ran smoothly and not hesitating for a moment the application of discipline whenever needed. In between running an efficient household and doling out punishment, Mother cooked, washed, cleaned and dusted, supervised homework requirements for my siblings and me, organized birthday reunions, took us to church, taught us to share and endless other chores.
Mother taught us that cooking was an art form that needed to be praised much like music, the plastic arts and so many other art forms; that the ingredients that go into making a dish are like the colors in a painting or the notes in a musical composition that should not be under-rated nor taken for granted, but rather be afforded its proper due of appreciation.
We were educated that respect for other persons, without distinction, was an indispensable requirement for peaceful co-existence and we were taught about the value of hard work in all our endeavors. Just like my mom, there are millions of other mothers administering their God-given endowments of love and tolerance within their respective families.
Were it not for our mothers’ perseverance in the education of their offspring with family values, as law abiding citizens, God fearing men and women who love their country, we would surely be living in a world of the strongest over the weakest.
I truly believe that we should acknowledge women’s contributions daily. In addition to making a home for us and being present 24/7, they work offices, as teachers in schools for children of every need, factories, building roads, as fire fighters and police, the armed forces in combat, bankers, fast food clerks and so many other activities that influence our daily living.
All women are deserving of our love, respect and understanding because they are the better half of our societies the world over. Were it not for a women’s sense of compassion, equality, justice and fairness, that is passed on to everyone in their area of influence, including other women, we would surely be living in a vast wasteland. Every affront committed against a woman draws us back into the jungle we have been working to leave behind.
A yearly international commemoration of women is indeed just, imperative and necessary.
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