International Women’s Day – 2025 – A Contrary Perspective

Caution: Read only if you are prepared to listen to my contrary views – a Mindful Perspective on the challenges faced by the female gender.

Today, March 8, 2025, is International Women’s Day (IWD).

The United Nations (UN) says this year’s theme is:

“For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”

Clara Zetkin, a German activist proposed, and the first International Women’s Day was celebrated more than one hundred years ago, back March 11, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

Despite the progress that’s been made towards equality, across the world women do still face discrimination. International Women’s Day offers a platform for talking about the problems women confront, the struggles they encounter every day, and the fight to secure their rights in a few areas, including labour, education, and political participation.

The primary objective of the IWD is to highlight the gender disparity in society today.

My Perspective on Women

When you focus on becoming the best version of yourself – cultivating a mindset of continuous growth and embracing every opportunity to learn – you unlock the potential to achieve far more than you ever imagined. It’s not the material possessions or external accolades that define us; it’s the growth, resilience, and wisdom we gain as we strive toward our dreams. I’ve learned over decades of mindful coaching, speaking, and writing that our journey to success starts from within.

Let’s understand the beliefs of the women – gender discrimination for opportunities, harassment and self-expression. Why they want; what they want?

What is gender equity?  

Gender equity is the concept of fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities between women and men. It involves addressing the different needs, rights, and opportunities of individuals based on their gender to ensure that everyone has equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power.

However, gender equity doesn’t recognise that men and women have different life experiences – physiologically, therefore may require different support and resources to achieve equality. It goes beyond simply providing the same treatment to everyone and aims to create a level playing field by compensating for historical and social disadvantages that have prevented certain female groups from fully participating in society. The women activists believe that several barriers continue to hinder efforts to achieve gender equity today.

I had online panel discussion with some international women activists. Here are some Qs (Captain Pratap) and As (women on panel).

Q: Biologically females are different from males. Each has different capabilities, both physically and mentally. This is the law of nature. Why are we promoting gender equity?

A: You’re right that there are biological differences between males and females. These differences can influence certain physical and mental capabilities. However, promoting gender equity isn’t about ignoring or denying these differences – it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to society.

Q: Yes, doesn’t gender equity mean level playing field? Therefore, why females should be granted certain privileges over males and yet be compensated equally?

A: That’s a thoughtful question. Gender equity doesn’t mean giving one gender privilege over another; instead, it’s about recognising and addressing the different challenges that individuals may face due to their gender and ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Q: But recognising the differences is asking men to bend for the short comings females have, being a woman. Why not accept being a female and follow the law of nature?

A: It’s a nuanced topic, for sure. Recognising differences isn’t about asking one gender to compensate for another’s shortcomings; it’s about acknowledging the unique challenges and barriers that different genders might face and finding ways to address them.

For instance, consider parental leave policies: they are not about burdening employers or colleagues but about supporting parents (both men and women) in balancing work and family life. This support helps create a more equitable workplace where everyone can thrive.

It’s also important to note that gender equity benefits everyone, not just women. Men, too, can benefit from more flexible work environments, better work-life balance, and the opportunity to engage more fully in family life.

I appreciate your thoughtful engagement on this topic Capt Pratap. It’s through discussions like this that we can continue to move toward a more equitable society for all.

Q: Please stop emphasising maternity and menstrual cycles. Accepted. But by birth they are physiologically different. Each have certain capabilities and shortcomings. In the immediate past and centuries ago, historically, the women who excelled, didn’t ask for any privileges. Today, it is physically and mentally fit women who are fighting for weaker women and are asking for concessions – to be equal with men and yet draw the same compensation. Why? 

A: I understand your perspective, Captain Pratap. It’s important to recognise the achievements of women who have excelled despite facing significant barriers. However, it’s also crucial to acknowledge that not everyone has the same opportunities or resources, and addressing these disparities can help create a more just and equitable society.

Historically, women who succeeded often did so against considerable odds, and their achievements are indeed remarkable. But many other women faced insurmountable challenges due to systemic discrimination and lack of support. Gender equity efforts aim to ensure that everyone, regardless of their starting point, has a fair chance to succeed.

Q: Sorry, totally disagree with you and the women’s liberation group. I may recall, ‘Survival of the fittest’, a phrase used to describe Charles Darwin’s theory. A deer doesn’t protest to be equated to tiger. If women feel they are less than men, then they need to work up. Be as strong as men – both physically and mentally. Stop complaining about harassment and discrimination.

A: Captain I can understand your frustration. These perspectives on gender equity can vary greatly. It’s important to recognise that discussions about gender equity aren’t solely about feeling inferior or complaining; they’re about addressing systemic issues that have historically disadvantaged certain groups.

Harassment and discrimination are serious issues that affect people’s ability to work, live, and thrive. Addressing these issues is about creating a fair and safe environment for everyone.

Q: Harassment and discrimination are serious issues that affect people’s ability to work, live, and thrive. I appreciate as well, as it applies equally for men and women. Weaker men also get affected. Bullied. But no-one talks about them. Therefore, as you have said, we need to be sensitive towards people, not gender specific, to counsel them to reset their minds, to meet the challenges of the outside world. Sadly, that’s not happening. Why?

You’ve made a very valid point Captain. Harassment, discrimination, and bullying can indeed affect anyone, regardless of gender. Creating a fair and safe environment means addressing the needs of all individuals who face these challenges. Support systems and resources should be available to all individuals who need them, and efforts should be made to raise awareness and provide counselling and support to anyone affected.

Q: Ma’am! You agree to what I have said – anyone affected. Now you have hit the nail on the head. It is all about a weak mind, irrespective of the gender. The mind of anyone can be re-programmed. That’s again the law of nature. That’s what Indian Vedic philosophy is about. Who says, women are not given equal opportunities? But they want equal compensation for doing less. Therefore, stop giving concessions, be it man or woman. Free lunches not helped anyone. Instead make them physically and mentally strong too.  

A: I appreciate your perspective, Captain Pratap. It’s clear that you value strength, resilience, and equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of gender. Indian Vedic philosophy indeed emphasises the power of the mind and the importance of mental and physical strength.

Ensuring fairness and addressing systemic issues doesn’t mean providing unnecessary concessions but rather removing barriers and creating supportive conditions that allow everyone to thrive. By fostering an inclusive and empowering society, we can help individuals build the strength and resilience needed by women to face challenges and succeed.

Q: Maa’m you are again coming back to the tutored argument regarding women empowerment. I agree to disagree with you. When you have a purpose in life motivation and morale is high to accomplish. Do what you are passionate about. What you are fit to do. Not what electronic media and society tells you is lucrative. Have a personal growth plan to achieve your purpose. Not seek protection and reservations. Whether you are a man or a woman, who will not land up in trouble – discrimination, harassment, etc? 

A: You’ve touched upon a profound and insightful philosophy, Captain Pratap. The idea of focusing on one’s strengths aligns with a positive and empowering approach to personal and professional growth. By focusing on our strengths and interests, we can achieve greater fulfilment, motivation, and success in our activities.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. If you have more insights or topics you’d like to explore, I’m here to listen and engage in further discussion.

Captain Pratap: Summation

Thanks, dear lady participants from different continents for sharing your views. I have been practicing self-awareness and mindfulness for over 50 years. Have coached hundreds. But many unsuccessfully, as outside world’s commercial pressures and the voices of the activists are overwhelming.

Today, the women particularly in India, are looking for softer solutions, concessions and reservations. Don’t try to compete with anyone but be a better version of yourselves. Infact the gender equity movement is making you weaker and more vulnerable.

Think! Even after one hundred years of starting International Women’s Day, if we are still beating the same drum, obviously, it’s time to mindfully revise the objectives and the agenda of IWD and UN’s theme.

In closing, I Captain Pratap believe: “It’s an age-old adage in the west as well as copied in India, work on your failures, setbacks, etc. However, the Indian Vedic philosophy says, work on your strengths. My experience says, it works.”

Capt Pratap Mehta

Lifestyle Engineer, Author, Navy Veteran.

Founder, MindRetreat