Women of Influence

The International Women’s Day is observed the world over to mark women’s struggle for justice, their triumphs and tribulations. “Women’s Empowerment” is therefore the buzzword today. To some, it may mean the disempowerment of men! But it should not be so. A healthy balance of male / female responsibilities and relationships need to be maintained for the building of a happy community.

This issue celebrates women by highlighting the profiles of five ordinary women, who with grit and determination have used their skills to make innovative and extraordinary contribution to various interests of our nation.

However we recognize that only a small percentage of our women have been able to overcome odds and rise to make their mark in our society. We do not overlook the tragic plight of vast majority of our women. Therefore, in this issue, we are also bringing the life story of one young woman, Anna, highlighting marital woes that many helpless women face. We cannot just sit back and read it without being moved to action. It is pointless for us to bemoan our lot without being stirred to do something. So if you are a woman who cares for your sister, write your feedback regarding this and other atrocities done to women. Email us at editor@vashtimagazine.in.

Let it not be said of our generation that we are working only for our own selfish well-being and interests. May we be known as women who have courage for the well-being of other women in distress too.

This issue also highlights our concern for the future generation – our youth today. By and large we must confess that we have become so driven in pursuing the promotion of our own careers and interests that we are in danger of sacrificing our family’s happiness and the building of children under our responsibility. We find marriages on the rocks and youth devastated. This year what changes are we prepared to make – even sacrificially – to reverse this destructive process?

This International Women’s Day should not be just a celebration for the Day, but a year-long commitment for the betterment of not just a few – but of the majority of our women. We may be just one person. We may be ordinary women. But in our own circles let us influence those we touch for good, by our encouragement of the down-hearted, the strengthening of the weak and challenging ourselves and others to rise above problems and circumstances to make a difference where we are.

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you” 

John Bunyan

– Juliet Thomas