This article is contributed by Sugato Roy

The first International Women’s Day was observed on 28^th February 1909 thereafter changed to  8^th March and with more than a century and a decade has gone, the day has assumed a special significance today. Last year was an extremely critical year for our planet due to the pandemic and it was just apt and fitting that accolades were given to Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Germany where their women Heads of State very capably managed the fallout of the dreaded disease. Another very significant achievement for women this year is the election of Kamala  Harris as the US Vice President. Quite appropriately this year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. The UN Women also has announced #EachforEqual as this year’s theme.

Although we commemorate the day annually with much conscientiousness and show, yet we are still a long way to go as far as the disparity level between men and women are concerned globally. This is very evident from the Global Gender Gap Report of last year. Men folk now must unequivocally come forward and judiciously participate in the observation of the day to give it the true implication. This is extremely important for the proper emancipation of women otherwise it will just remain for good photo capturing moments and on paper.

We discuss below-assured ways of observing International Women’s Day in its true spirit so that the confidence level of our women is bolstered up particularly in this ambiance of social distancing.

• Everyone and particularly the men must ensure that the campaign of #ChooseToChallenge reaches the widest compass of social media in whatever social media vehicles and platforms it may be, particularly in Facebook, Twitter and the respective WhatsApp and Telegram groups to create a momentous impact.
• Corporates must ensure that their publicity teams including their associates run a virtual campaign at all levels to commemorate the day effectively. More and more men should be given the responsibility to run the promotion so that the impact is much more. It has been estimated that the progress of gender inclusion projects are better if men are actively involved.
• Organising a coffee meet or a High Tea for the women members at their workplaces can be implemented. Besides that online chat involving the women discussing everything regarding them will be a novel way of expressing gratitude to the ladies.
• Women entrepreneurs who are at the helm of affairs in start-ups and medium-sized business can be given awards or if write-ups and articles in important media are published on their achievements, it can go a long way in pushing up their confidence.
• Men should push for gender equality in the workplace more than women as the onus is on men only to resolve this imbroglio. This may be in the form of job promotions, entrusting the women to more important and critical jobs, mentoring exercises for women and application of  flexible working hours

Stricter implementation of the Vishakha guidelines in various government and private sector organisations so that women can receive justice for any unpleasant and distasteful incidents meted out to them.

GRADUATE FROM ST XAVIER’S COLLEGE AND POST GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA, SPECIALISING IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT AND ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT.  PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE OF 24 YEARS IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY.  HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR  LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY MANAGEMENT.