Representative Image. / Canva

Every year on March 8, the world pauses to celebrate International Women's Day—a day to reflect, challenge, and push for greater gender equality. It is a day of empowerment, a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history, and a call to action to break barriers and build an inclusive future. 

The road to gender equality has been paved with resilience and courage. Women have consistently defied expectations, from the fight for women's suffrage to the ongoing battles for equal pay, leadership representation, and reproductive rights. Melinda Gates aptly said, "A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman." That voice has echoed through the ages, demanding inclusion and diversity in every sector of society. 

Breaking Barriers, Shaping Leadership

Women have long been underrepresented in leadership roles, yet history and modern times prove that they transform industries, communities, and nations when given the opportunity. Michelle Obama reminds the world, "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." Women have pioneered in science, politics, business, and the arts, yet systemic obstacles persist. True empowerment means ensuring women are at decision-making tables, leading global conversations, and driving policy changes that shape our future. 

The Power of Education and Solidarity Education

Education remains one of the most potent tools for empowerment. When girls are educated, communities prosper. Yet, millions of girls worldwide still face barriers to schooling due to poverty, discrimination, and cultural norms. Feminism, at its core, is about dismantling these barriers and ensuring that every girl and woman has the right to learn, grow, and lead.

Solidarity among women is not just crucial; it's our strength. "Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim," Nora Ephron declared. Women uplifting women fosters an unstoppable force for change. Movements like #ChooseToChallenge and #EachforEqual emphasize collective action, urging societies to call out biases, challenge stereotypes, and push for a more inclusive world. 

Prioritizing Women's Health and Well-being 

Health is a fundamental right, yet women's health issues often remain underfunded and overlooked. From maternal health to access to mental health services, the well-being of women is crucial to societal progress. Women must advocate for their health and demand policies that protect and prioritize their needs. 

Mantra for Women's Empowerment 

The Indian Vedas, ancient scriptures of wisdom, emphasize the strength and dignity of women. One such mantra from the Rigveda states:
 "Yatra naryastu pujyante, ramante tatra devataḥ" 

(Where women are honored, divinity blossoms; where they are dishonored, all actions remain unfruitful.) This mantra underlines the essence of gender equality—societies thrive when women are respected and empowered. It is a call to ensure dignity, equal opportunities, and leadership for women in every field. 

As we mark International Women's Day, this Vedic mantra reminds us of a truth deeply embedded in Indian philosophy—women are the backbone of progress, the nurturers of civilizations, and the architects of change. Yet, history has shown that their journey toward equality has been riddled with barriers—social, political, and economic.

Women Who Broke the Glass Ceiling

Throughout history, women have defied expectations and shattered barriers. Consider:

Droupadi Murmu (India) — Rising from humble beginnings to become the first tribal woman President of India, Murmu’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, representation, and breaking socio-political barriers. Her leadership signifies the inclusion of marginalized voices in global governance.

Katherine Johnson (USA) — A pioneering NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of U.S. space missions, including the first manned moon landing. Overcoming racial and gender discrimination, her story — highlighted in Hidden Figures — remains a beacon of perseverance in STEM.

Despite such groundbreaking achievements, countless women worldwide still struggle for equal recognition, pay, and leadership opportunities. The glass ceiling may be cracked, but it is far from shattered.

If we genuinely value merit and talent, why do so many women still face invisible barriers that hinder their rise in leadership, business, and innovation?

A Future of Equality and Celebration 

International Women's Day is about acknowledging the past and shaping the future. Malala Yousafzai urges, "Do not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It's you who can change the world." Every woman and ally must take up the mantle to foster a world where gender does not dictate opportunities. 

Let's commit to actionable change as we celebrate women's achievements. Let's break barriers, challenge biases, and ensure the next generation inherits a genuinely equal, inclusive, and just world. The fight for gender equality is far from over, but with solidarity, empowerment, and fearless leadership, the future is undeniably female.

The author is President of Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, Chicago, IL.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)