The Eve of International Women's Day

from w
Monday is designated as International Women's Day and no doubt there will be talk in Fijian towns on the topic of respect for women and the often burdensome life for many women throughout the world. An apt story to see for yourself in a video entitled 'Water' made in Canada but about the life of Indian women who are forced to live in an ashram because they are widows (aged from eight to about seventy), set in the time of Gandhi's tours in 1938. It is a powerful film, quite different from the usual Bollywood excesses of colour and joyfulness. Truly, Eve got the blame for troubles in the Genesis myth, and there are many Eves in the world today. Fortunately there are many fearless women who speak up, stand up, and take opportunities to build up their oppressed sisters. That's what this special day reminds us to do.