Women: The Other Half of Men

Every year on 8^th March, the International Day of Women is observed and celebrated all over the world, including in Malaysia. This year’s celebration’s theme is “A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to end Violence.

International Day of Women has been observed since 1900’s.  In commemorating the International Day of Women, let us take some moments to ponder on the significance of the Day. This is a Day dedicated to reminisce the services, sacrifices, and contributions of women to mankind.  

Outstanding women have emerged all over the world and contributed significantly to the advancement of humankind. In Malaysia too, we had and have extraordinary women who have played major role in the development of our young and budding nation.  We salute all the women for their share in the advancement of our nation.

As advocated in this year’s theme, let us all to do all the best possible to end violence against women. Besides, assure the rights of women in the political, economic and social and family life as this is crucial to the progress of human civilization.

Women and men have been and always been equal in the sight of God.  It is said the world of humanity has two wings -- one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections, can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be.

In the past, there was a notion that woman and man were not equal -- that is to say, woman was considered inferior to man. She was even considered especially inferior in intelligence, and the idea prevailed universally that women was not allowed to step into the arena of important affairs. But in this century of light, humanity has emerged out of this ignorance and error, and has accepted the emancipation of women.

The conditions in past centuries were due to woman's lack of opportunity. She was denied the right and privilege of education and left in her undeveloped state. Today, women have excelled in education. In Malaysia more women at the tertiary institutions compared to men. They form the majority of work force in the country, from the bottom to top positions. Can this be translated as emancipation of women in our nation?

I believe much more should be done to treat women as equal partners in life and society at large. In fact, in some respects woman is superior to man. She is more tender-hearted, more receptive; her intuition is more intense compared to man.

The happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and helpmate of the other.

At this juncture, let us wish all our mothers, wives, daughters, daughters-in-law, friends, colleagues, and ALL women, a Happy International Women’s Day 2013. May they all be free from all kinds’ prejudices, violence and lead a life much better than yesterday.