IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
What woman has not faced hardship in her life? Who hasn’t experienced a struggle of some form? When life puts a family to the test: with comfort is gone and wealth lost…who is it that always rises to the occasion to keep the family together? Women.
The significance of women cannot be overstressed, it is their dreams that make the world better, their support for others – a woman approaches each situation with love and dedication. Women have to hold different roles, and to match the challenges for each one with suitable skills. They are inherently equipped to play multiple roles, and their capacity for thinking on different levels enables them to physically, emotionally and spiritually handle whatever situation is set before them.
Women have a tremendous capacity for love and caring, in all the roles they play, whether it is as mother, sister, friend or wife. Their ability for empathy enables them to help others through deeper understanding.
Women play a huge role in history, from Queen of Sheba to Nefertiti, from Florence Nightingale to Maria Teresa, all the way to the powerful personalities that have, over history, made contributions in science, literature and politics. If you look at the family unit, it is the mother who takes control; from the time a child is born and all the way to when he or she leaves the nest.
In the past few decades in this region has seen women move forward to centre stage. The status of women is being positively redefined, from the shy housewife and behind-the-scenes caretaker, to someone who is proactive, knowledgeable, responsible and ready to lead.
I salute the true spirit of womanhood. I am happy to be a woman, and I pay homage to my mother, and all the women in my life.
By Areeba Sadiq
