International Mother’s Day should mean more
In many countries, as in Bangladesh, International Mother's Day was observed yesterday. In honouring our mothers, we honour all mothers and all women. However, on this occasion, we must ask ourselves, should we restrict our remembrance of mothers or acknowledgement of their contributions in our lives to a particular day only? For mothers are to be remembered, revered, thanked and celebrated—not formally once a year but every day of the week and every week of the month—for nothing can repay our debt to them individually or as a nation.
What we must, therefore, remember is that if we want to give proper respect to mothers, we must respect every girl and every woman. Regrettably, in this regard, the picture in our society is dismal. Women by and large remain marginalised and discriminated against. Although women in our society are striving to stand on their own, and compete side by side with men, the opportunities for this are very limited. Women still get paid half for the same work than their male counterparts. The state has failed to acknowledge their contribution to national growth by not yet monetising their work related to looking after the house and bringing up the children. They are subjected to sexual violence as well as physical and mental abuse at home and outside. Many young mothers are deprived of basic maternal healthcare. Women's workplace remains as hazardous as travelling in public transport.
If we want to change the society, we feel that change must start from home. We must bring an end to the discrimination faced by girl children, teach our sons to respect girls and women so that they grow up with the same values. Unless all women are treated as equal citizens and supported by their family, society and the state, we can never truly give our mothers the recognition they deserve.
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