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: Beyond One Day: The Reality of Women's Rights Celebrating Women's Day once a year is not enough to bring real change. While it may draw temporary attention to women's issues, things quickly return to the status quo. Many such observances are commercialized and reduced to symbolic gestures rather than meaningful action. Women face deep-rooted societal challenges. Female foeticide remains a grim reality, often enabled by sex determination tests that circumvent legal restrictions. It is troubling that a mother herself may participate in abortion, ending a life before it begins. The high mortality rate of girl children is another alarming issue, as is the perception of girls as commodities in the marriage market. Progress has been made in terms of equal opportunities for education and employment, but much more needs to be done. Child marriage must be criminalized, and dowry-related deaths should be met with stringent legal action. Sexual harassment—whether in the workplace, institutions, or public spaces—must be taken seriously. Rape cases should be fast-tracked and resolved within a month with severe punishment for perpetrators. Initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao should not remain mere slogans but translate into real efforts to empower girls. Human trafficking for prostitution is a horrifying crime that dehumanizes women, and urgent measures are needed to eliminate it. Advertisements often exploit women's bodies to sell products while society turns a blind eye, calling it “art” rather than addressing its obscenity. Women's empowerment has made significant strides. They are no longer confined to kitchens and childcare but actively share responsibilities while pursuing careers. Women have proven their capabilities as leaders and professionals across fields, yet their numbers remain disproportionately low. The focus on women's rights and responsibilities is encouraging, but true equality demands continuous effort, beyond just one day of recognition. Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
