Be bold for change

International Women's Day 2017 will be celebrated all over the world on 8th March, with great zeal and passion to amplify the awareness about women's rights. The purpose of the day is to pay respect and admiration to women who prove their abilities, with confidence, intelligence, and hard work. These women are a source of inspiration for others to follow.
History of the day
The earliest Women's Day observance was held on February 28, 1909, in New York. In August 1910, an International Women's Conference was organised to precede the general meeting of the Socialist Second International in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In 1913, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Saturday in February. In 1914, International Women's Day was held on March 8, possibly because that day was a Sunday, and now it is always held on March 8 in all countries. International Women's Day was first observed as a popular event after 1977 when the United Nations General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women's rights and world peace.
Theme of the day
International Women's Day is celebrated annually using a particular theme. This year's theme is "be bold to make change." It is a proven fact that life does not change much unless one decides to change it. To change life she must show boldness of making her own decision; she must fundamentally change how she thinks, feel, and act. She must realize her strength and unique talents. Be bold against any act of discrimination, violence, sexual harassment at home or workplace.
Female workforce in Pakistan
In a male dominated society, women work force is growing fast in Pakistan. Despite of unfavourable circumstances, from submissive sectors to the high profile posts, females have made notable appearances. They are stepping out of their houses to support their families. They can be seen working in education, health, financial, police, customs, and intelligence departments.
There are number of women who sell everything from fresh vegetables to prepared foods, from everyday stuff to garments and crafts in local markets and shopping centers. Razia, aged 30, has been selling ginger garlic in a local market for the last five years. "I do not care people mocking at me. I set vendor to earn money for my family. My husband sells balloons. I choose this profession under economic compulsion only when I see that my husband's income is insufficient to meet my family's daily need."
Workplace challenges
It is an open truth that working women have to face challenges just by virtue of their being a woman. However, the new generation of women is pursuing their dream career with determination, and capabilities. Let's see how women of today are facing these challenges.
Workplace stress
Married women aging from 22 years to 55 years sustain more stress and struggle hard to balance their home lives, social activities, and job. A recent study reveals that excessive stress levels amongst female workers are 1.5 times more likely than in men.
Traditional family setup has an adverse effect on the lives of Pakistani women. A working mother continues to bear heavier responsibilities when it comes to balancing work and family. Sumayyah Khan is a young mother of two kids. She works as a supervisor in a hand made embroidery warehouse located in Orangi Town. She also sells made to order bridal and party dresses. This hard working woman told that she used to display ready to wear dresses in small exhibitions then with support of her friends she has established her own Sumi collection. "I had to overcome financial issues in order to ensure better future for my children."
Just like traditional mothers, she wakes up early in the morning prepares breakfast for children and leaves them to school. At lunch break, she picks her children from the school. Then get back to her work and returns home at 7.30pm.
After completing chores, she joins tailors to stitch dresses. She adds, "Working mothers have to fight challenges everyday. The concept of a working mom is still something that people do not understand. At work, I have to deal with stubborn clients who often try to demotivate me. I often face sadistic behaviours there. In case of coming late at home from the site, I have to face torturous and teasing questions from my surrounding. However, I am determined to brighten up my children's future."
Harassment
Every woman at workplace has the right to work with dignity and any threat to such rights should be eliminated by the companies and employers. Physical, verbal, and sexual harassment of women at the workplace is a common problem in many countries including Pakistan. Girls at work are often subjected to harassment because of job insecurity, bad working condition, low status, and uncooperative behaviours of co-workers.
A senior bank official Sana recommends that employers should take complaints made by any aggrieved women seriously. Her complaints should be kept confidential. Their should be code of conduct in offices and factories administration shall take prompt action for any obscene jokes and lewd or disgusting remarks.
Discrimination
Despite progress in recent decades to bring about gender equality in the workplace, she is considered less capable of benefits, wages, opportunities, and promotions, etc. A survey has revealed that more than half of the female employees feel discriminated at work. It is a general conception that despite of skill and qualifications her career have deferred because managers disagree to promote her or offer training opportunities.
Despite of women's hard work and dedication companies often avoid giving key roles and projects to their female employees.
Workplace amenities
The working environment is an important factor for the comfort, performance, and health of workers at workplace.
It is the responsibility of employers to make sure the availability of separate restroom and washroom for women employees. These amenities are essential for the basic health and wellbeing, personal hygiene, dignity and welfare of women employees. Generally, separate toilets need to be provided in workplaces where there are both male and female employees.
Shazia works in a garment factory, she said I quit my previous job because of unhygienic working environment. There is only one toilet for over 25 female workers.
A retired working woman recommends that there should be clearly displayed emergency contact numbers in office rooms and factory areas. There should be well-lit working areas, parking lots until the women employee leaves the site.
Economic participation and empowerment of women is recognised globally as essential for the progress of a nation and growth of its economy. The International Women's Day is a day to appreciate women for their hard work and struggle for the welfare of their homes, families and the whole society.