As the calendar turns to 8 March, memories come alive of the day when it all began. New York’s streets saw women garment workers protest against inhuman working conditions and exploitation. They rallied in thousands to demand better pay, an end to child labour and the right to vote in 1908. They did so, unanimously, and so International Women’s Day was born.
Since then, we have come a long way, with the spirit of the Women’s Day still alive and kicking. Today, we have global marches and campaigns, including #MeToo and #TimesUp, that are getting people to pledge to make the world a better, equal place for all women.
Whether these are emblematic of a larger cultural change is debatable, but let’s note ways on how India is making Women’s Day count. Mind you, as we try to slay SEXISM, PATRIARCHY and MISOGYNY from social spaces, our allegiance to this day must be not die after 24 hours — that onus stays with us.
PVR Cinemas Celebrate Sridevi's Legacy With 'Women Only' Shows
With over 250 multilingual films and impeccable acting skills to her credit, the memories of Sridevi’s cinematic persona have been etched in the minds of millions of fans world over.
For die-hard fans who were awestruck by the actor on the 70 mm screen, here’s your chance to revisit her charm on International Women’s Day.
PVR Cinemas are paying a tribute to India's first female superstar by screening some of her best films at an event titled ‘The Sridevi Legacy’ on 7 & 8 March 2018, Statesman reported.
Her iconic films like ‘Chandni’ (1989), ‘Chaalbaaz’ (1989), ‘Lamhe’ (1991) and her last two Bollywood films, ‘English Vinglish’ (2012) and ‘Mom’ (2017), will be screened at their theatres across the country.
Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Cinemas, believes that there is no better way to celebrate Women’s Day “than by showcasing the first female superstar’s greatest films,” the report added.
Indian Railways Put Women in the Forefront
From women TTEs to loco drivers, Indian Railways is putting women on the forefront on to celebrate Women's Day. An all-women team ran the Deccan Queen Express on the occasion, while an all-women TTE team will “man” the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi, PTI reported.
What’s more? The Matunga Station of the Central Railway has become the first station to be operated by an all-women staff, PTI reported.
Maninagar station will be Gujarat’s first station to be manned by an all-women staff. Moreover, the station has made it to the Limca Book of Records 2018 because of the same.
The non-suburban Gandhinagar-Jaipur railway station has also recently joined the list of women-operated stations. The railway today also lauded the contribution of its first woman loco driver, Surekha Yadav, who, it said, paved the way for many others to follow suit.
(With PTI Inputs)
SpiceJet’s All-Exclusive Women Pilot Recruitment Drive
According to TOI, budget career SpiceJet is hiring women for it’s Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400 fleet, and wants to fill up one-third of it’s cockpit with women pilots.
In a statement, SpiceJet said, “The airline has extended an open invite to women pilots across the country, as part of the recruitment program which is scheduled for 7-8 March 2018. It is open for both captains and first officers, having a valid commercial pilot license.”
Hired in a profession dominated by men, Rupali Pimpli said it “feels beautiful to stand equally with men.” She added that SpiceJet has made all women.
I am proud to be a women. Today, women have got an equal footing with men. It’s a beautiful feeling. I am very happy with SpiceJet. By giving us this opportunity, SpiceJet has made us all proud. They have made us believe that we are not less than any male pilot.
In a First, India Inc Offers Services Dedicated to Women
E-commerce giant Snapdeal has launched an exclusive Women’s Day store, offering special discounts on a range of products like apparel, electronic gadgets, kitchen appliances and personal care products, Economic Times reported.
On the other hand, consultation corporation Capgemini is celebrating a week dedicated to women with sessions on parenting, health, financial awareness, leadership. It has also invited families of its female employees to its offices.
Learning About Self, With Pearson India
Leading publishing house Pearson India plans to organise two awareness intervention workshops for women. As a step to discuss unsaid but deeply entrenched biases among the employees, the first workshop aims to highlight issues of gender sensitivity, Economic Times reported. The second workshop in Noida and Bangalore will impart skills on financial decision making.
Revel in 'Women Only' Co-working Spaces – For FREE!
Is there a way for women to work in a place far removed from the sexism our traditional workplaces are prone to? Guess what – Women only co-working spaces are springing up to champion a new work-life balance
And this Women’s Day, you can flock to 91springboard, a co-working community that is celebrating the day be offering an exciting free "co-working” week for women, from 5 to 10 March, Economic Times reported. Female members of 91springboard's client community will offer free services today.
'Women Entrepreneurs League' is another marquee event, with which the company aims to encourage budding entrepreneurs.