MARCH 8:
International Women’s Day
March 8 is observed as International Women’s Day. Through the celebration of IWD, the UNO dreams of a world of “gender equality (Theme of 2022), free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.” IWD invites all to celebrate “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” The day also gives a call to “raise awareness about women’s equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity, fundraise for female-focused charities.”
The reality of women in our world and in our country is far from the ideal set in the backdrop of IWD. Atrocities committed against women are numerous. Dowry deaths, rapes, violence, discrimination, unequal opportunity, oppression, economic exploitation of women—all this continues to shame our world.
The most important action that is called for towards forming a “diverse, equitable and inclusive” society is the attitudinal change towards women. This can be done most effectively and pervasively in our homes and schools.
Here are the wonderful women who made a difference in my own life.
Mother: My mother was a very simple illiterate woman. I remember her for her patience, endurance, hard work, simplicity and sacrificing spirit. If not for her generosity, I wouldn’t be a priest today, since I am the only son in the family.
Sister: My elder sister took the place of my father. She cares a lot for me, and paid all the expenses for my education and ordination. I am always welcome in her home.
Teachers: I grew in self-confidence and learnt much, thanks to two great women teachers: Sr Dominica Lakra OSU, for her affectionate encouragement and opportunities for going on the stage, and Miss Ratna Halder, for recognizing my talents and giving me attention.
Friends: Through their affection, fidelity, care, unconditional acceptance, understanding and challenging love, they accompany me in my growth as a man and as a religious priest.
Each of us owes much to the women in our lives. Our educational policies, plans and actions at institutional, diocesan/congregational and national levels must promote gender equality and respect for women. We need to begin with young minds to bring about a change in the mentality with regard to women.
MARCH 22:
WORLD WATER DAY
World Water Day is celebrated on 22 March every year. The United Nations seeks to raise awareness in the world about two billion people currently living without access to safe water. The core focus of World Water Day is to inspire action towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Water and Sanitation for All by 2030.
In Bundelkhand region girls do not want to be married in certain villages because they have to walk a few miles to fetch drinking water.
On 19 June 2019, Chennai city officials declared “Day Zero” (the day when almost no water is left) had been reached, as all the four main reservoirs supplying water to the city had run dry.
What can we do? What can I do?
I would like to share a story of a six-year-old boy called Ryan Hreljac.
In January 1998, Nancy Prest, the class teacher of Grade I of Holy Cross Catholic School in Kemptville Ontario, Canada, described to her young students about the sad plight of lack of clean water in African villages. Her story touched the heart of a little boy of six, Ryan Hreljac so deeply that he resolved to raise $70 for a well. To achieve this, he cleaned the house, mowed the lawn, emptied the garbage bins, made sacrifices and bettered his grade to garner the needed amount. Later, upon hearing of the need to purchase a driller ($25,000) to provide more wells, he was determined to work harder. He began to talk to people to help. He gave an interview in the local TV channel. An article was published about his dream project. Inspired by the effort of this young lad, generous people contributed the amount. A well was bored at Angolo Primary School in Otwal subcounty of Northern Uganda. It was named “Ryan’s well.” His joy was doubled when he and his parents were able to visit Otwal in Uganda and meet his pen pal, Akana Jimmy.
All, no matter who we are, can contribute to the preservation of clean water. All we need is to feel the water crisis in our heart, like six-year-old Ryan.
Fr Shilanand Kerketta SDB
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