One of my most favourite historical events took place
on the 24th of October 1975 – the day the women of Iceland went on strike!
90% of the women of the country, to demonstrate their
importance, decided to not show up to work and perform their routine responsibilities
for just one day. They came together in the streets to rally for equal rights.
The strata of each woman in society did not matter; it did not matter if she
was educated or not; it did not matter what kind of job she held. Homemakers,
cleaners, white-collar employees, business leaders, MPs, girls - all rallied
side by side. Rural women who were not able to physically join the rally in the
cities, still followed their sisters and took the day off. I cannot think of
another historical event that showcases the tremendous power, solidarity, and
strength of women as this one does. This was surely not the first women’s
movement however it was the most powerful, changing the course of Iceland’s
policies with respect to women completely thereafter.
The country came to a standstill. Businesses had to
close and, if open, dads had to take their children to work. They had to cook,
clean, and be responsible for childcare. All for just one day. Things came back
to normal the next day but with the knowledge that women are equal pillars of
society. This proved to be a watershed moment, bringing to the fore the sheer
force of and need for women.
Over the next five years, main changes included
electing the first female president for Iceland - Vigdis Finnbogadottir – a
divorced, single mother. Also, Europe’s first female president and the first
woman in the world to be democratically elected as president. She was so
popular, she remained president for the next 16 years!
While there were some reports of men not supporting
this movement, most realized that they would come across very poorly in the
face of such unity showed by the women. Some joined and fully supported the
idea behind the movement. The husband of one of the main speakers was allegedly
asked by a co-worker, "Why do you let your woman howl like that in public
places? I would never let my woman do such things." The husband shot back:
"She is not the sort of woman who would ever marry a man like you"
(BBC). How we need more such men!
On this International Women’s Day 2021, it is
important to recall such events, the strength it took, the mindset changes that
it brought about in both men and women, and the empowerment it generated.
Let us invite all men to unite with the women in
fighting for women’s basic rights, which are in fact human rights. Break your
deafening silence and join the ranks of great men who were pioneers for women’s
rights and liberation even more than women.
I honour some of such great men from India.
1) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
The first Indian man to, as
early as 18th century, work for upliftment of women. Worked to abolish the
barbaric practise of Sati and fought to break the shackles of caste system.
2) Jyotirao
Govindrao Phule
Activist and reformer, worked
especially for women of lower castes. Together with his wife, Savitribai Phule,
he started the first school for girls, despite being ostracised by their
families. He advocated widow remarriage and also started an orphanage to reduce
the incidence of female infanticide.
3) Dr. Bhimrao
Ramji Ambedkar
The chief architect of the
Constitution of India, Babasaheb is renowned for championing the rights of
Dalits and their upliftment in society. Apart from this, he was responsible for
the introduction of the Hindu Code Bill - which allowed women the right to file
a divorce petition, and the right to inheritance.
4) Subramania
Bharathi
One of the pioneers of modern
Tamil literature who strongly opposed the caste system and worked tirelessly to
uplift women through literature. He fought for the emancipation of women,
against child marriage, stood for reforming Brahminism and religion.
Happy International Women's
Day. But more than happy, let us make it a thoughtful and productive day,
continuing through the years to come!
