Respect women

Like other countries, March 8 was celebrated in Pakistan as the International Women’s Day. But by celebrating such events alone can we bring any change to society? Are women being treated with more respect now? Are women being given their due rights? Does celebrating the day prevent men from harassing women? Do women feel comfortable moving around freely at public places?
The disdain with which we treat women health visitors, polio immunisation volunteers, salesgirls, female field workers, surveyors and NGO workers speaks volumes of our mindset. Although the civil society conducts seminars, arranges rallies and conferences, yet do these activities have any implication at the grassroots level? What we need is to teach men to respect women in every walk of life.
Sehar Sabir
China