8M and Why We Must Keep Fighting
As a child, I cherished every flower my father brought home on March 8th, International Women’s Day. The word “congratulations” held a special significance, and I eagerly celebrated this day with other women. But somewhere along the line, my perception shifted.
It wasn’t until I entered a public office with predominantly female colleagues and a feminist director that I truly began to grasp the essence of feminism. While I had always supported the movement, I hadn’t fully understood its implications until I immersed myself in the stories and experiences of other women.
Beyond the surface-level demands for equal pay and rights, I realized that feminism embodies a much deeper struggle. Our world, regardless of nationality or culture, remains largely male-dominated. Despite our beauty, strength, and capacity to give birth, we live in constant fear — fear of walking alone at night, fear of traveling to unfamiliar places, fear of unwanted advances from coworkers.
We’re exhausted from striving to excel in our careers, only to be criticized for being too assertive or emotional. And the burden doesn’t end at work — it follows us home, where we’re expected to nurture our families without receiving the support we need in return.
It’s baffling that in this age of technological advancement, we’re still fighting for fundamental human rights. We’re not asking to be treated the same as men; we’re demanding recognition of our inherent worth. Yet, amidst our struggle, the conversation often veers off course, clouded by political agendas and divisive rhetoric.
Yes, feminism is inherently political, but when it becomes entangled in partisan debates, its essence is diluted. We must remember the core issue: the historical denial of our right to vote, financial autonomy, and bodily autonomy. It’s unfathomable that in many parts of the world, we still lack control over our own bodies.
As I marched alongside countless women, men, and children from diverse backgrounds, I couldn’t help but marvel at the solidarity we displayed. Yet, I also felt a pang of disbelief — disbelief that we still need to protest for the most basic freedoms. We shouldn’t have to rally in the streets to demand safety, autonomy, and fair treatment.
But until these rights are universally acknowledged and respected, we must continue to fight. March 8th serves as a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the challenges that lie ahead. Let’s honor the legacy of those who paved the way for our rights while paving the way for future generations.
I can't still believe that I need to keep fighting just to be me and feel safe being me.
