The world is full of personalities. We look at people as part of population. Collectively we can be described as the ‘public’. And we are growing in numbers so much that we are an entity. The entity because now what people in one part of the world experiences have an impact on others. A prime example are the quarantines we went through during Covid-19. The impact of wars and natural disasters are reminders too.
Yet we still try to distinguish ourselves with religion and nationalities even though hunger feels the same, colour of blood is red and emotions can bring tears with no language barrier. Yet we are aware of skin tones, facial features and cultural orientations. For these give us comfort in judgement.
But the mass whom we label as public is dynamic because of the distinct personalities which are often derived from occupations people practice. The engineers, doctors and architects standing on the platform based on logic are quick to conclude whether, ‘it can’ or ‘it cannot be done.’
The teachers teach theories and hypothesis that they were taught, but the best are the ones who reflect with their students while sharing the knowledge.
And in come the artists of the world filled with emotions and ready with the question, “why not?”
Quite often they interact with other professions such as the scientists who liked philosophy and art.
Then of course men and women have tried defining their roles in the society and they are being redefined again. The women of the world will celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, and this year too it is time to reflect what is that women have achieved in the past year and what goals would she like to attain.
The question remains, ‘Do women need empowerment or is she born empowered?’
To think in most societies, the limitations are only based on perceptions is still an eye opener when women have proven their mettle in variety of professions. Today she is an independent individual who does not have to prove it to anyone but herself.
Could it be that most of the battles are her own personal ones?
Emotional, high amount of sensitivity, moodiness is some of the labels often given to women especially now that she has proven her capabilities. So is it equality women are looking for in 2023? Gender equality might still be an issue at certain levels and cultures but her biggest challenge might be the mindset. The mindset that is based on the environment she has been in or her struggles of daily life. The best form of empowerment would be self- empowerment, of course mutual empowerment and then top it with social empowerment. In order for all this to happen we need awareness - most importantly self-awareness. To know our drawbacks and our strengths, to accept our reality and to have the courage to change for the betterment.
They talk about glass ceiling, what is important is to know and recognise the glass ceiling if there is one, to have faith in one self and not let someone else define us. At the same time, it is important to face the facts and analyse ourselves whether we have the necessary skills and experience.
On the other hand, there is so much to celebrate about having exceptional skills in multitasking, instinctively high emotional intelligence, natural leadership qualities etc.
Of course there is the recurrent doubt do women have to be overly assertive to prove her leadership skills. The fact is women have been the doer for centuries nurturing the family and playing their crucial role within the family and the society.
The best part is that we have the opportunity to evolve each year by not competing with others but with ourselves by asking these questions - what have I learnt? What are the drawbacks and strengths? How can I improve? What are the opportunities?
The International Women’s Day celebrates women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements.
This year the theme of the day that is marked by United Nations is DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality. The topic brings focus to the need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education. If the transformation is not welcomed there is every danger that an individual will be left behind as the world leaps forward and immerse in the digital era with the emerging Artificial Intelligence.
There is no option but to learn, adapt and move forward.
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