I didn’t know Women’s Day existed until I left college.

{There was no need for it when you were raised with pride by parents, teachers, and influential personalities. But when you take a global perspective, you need people who lift women – they won’t always be women.) Dedicating one day might not solve any deep-rooted issues. However, many inspiring women have been part of our school curriculum and our lifestyles. In the wake of upheaval in Bangladesh politics, I travelled through the timeline of world politics, and South Asia has been inspirational.

Such political figures who stood tall are:

Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Margaret Thatcher (though not from South Asia), Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, and Sheikh Hasina.

Ms Bandaranaike: The world’s first female Prime Minister, taking office in (now) Sri Lanka.

Ms. Thatcher’s powerful phrase, “the lady’s not for turning.” This statement still evokes the same excitement.

Ms Gandhi: Commanding a vast, diverse nation through war, economic upheaval, and state emergencies.

Ms Butto: Came to be regarded as an icon for women’s rights due to her political success in a male-dominated society.

Ms. Hasina: Striving to lift her nation out of poverty and political instability through sustained development.

I’m not a politician, and I’m not here to dissect their political decisions or careers.

However, it’s disheartening to see the final wicket (about to) fall in Bangladesh.

I take a bow, ladies! Living in the same era is a blessing.

After this inspiring pep-visit, let’s rethink, do we need a Women’s Day?

Yes, despite those pockets of women’s growth in places, can you believe there are phone numbers for women to call if in an abusive situation in the bathrooms of a maternity ward in one of the most advanced nations in the West?

Not just culturally, but women need that support from the more equal men to show their mettle. Women don’t always lift women. Can we guarantee that, within a family, daughters and daughters-in-law are treated equally? So, it should be the responsibility of every human to treat everyone with respect and equality.

Women are still forced to have make-up outside and silicone/plastic inside- no one is forcing them perse, but that’s the mindset we are moving into. Women are judged on the careers they are in by their own women circles, groups, and treatment is not the same among women. Where are we heading?

Not one day, but every day, yes- the women I mentioned above are from influential families, and more women fought their way through from nothing- they are an inspiration; there is still hope.

Kudos to men who think and act like humans should. Until then, Women’s Day is just one day of celebration that helps the retail sector generate more sales: events for women, selling flowers at triple the price, and cards for that genre. And roll on until the next year.

Happy Women’s Day.