Hello there, no need to remind you all that we are living in the 21^st century because it’s an obvious fact but it is still surprising that I have lived 3 decades and more and have celebrated the same event with the same zeal and fervor every year. I am talking about the International Women’s Day, every year without fail I have cut a cake, sometime more than a cake and will do so for as long as I live. No silly, not because this day makes me happy but because co-incidentally it’s my birthday! Yes, I was born on a beautiful, eventful day and I was so proud of it as if I was the custodian of this occasion, and believe you me, I took it seriously.

Time passed and every year taught me a different lesson, why was I even happy about this day? why couldn’t all the days be so happy, warm, and kind to my fellow women world-wide? Why did people reserve their respects only for the 8^th March? Then as I grew up, this day felt more like a joke because I realised those that I believed were reserving their respects were being forced to treat us well but only on that day. I think let’s call it off, let’s not celebrate this day or us anymore. I think women across the globe would be OK to do away with this day, especially women at workplaces.

We have all come a long way and I am thankful to all the women who have helped me become the person that I am. I am glad their stories inspired me, and their toil strengthened my beliefs. I am glad they set nonpareil standards because even the insurmountable challenges in my life look timid and possible. At the same time, I am also thankful to those that taught me to not take my freedom for granted, or let others walk over my ambitions. I celebrate these women every single day, I may still cut the cake on the 8^th but I know I am significant and when you realise that, you don’t want anyone to do you the honours.