All through the history, the leading role of women in the society has ensured the strength, progress as well as the long-term development of nations. Globally, women comprise around 43 percent of the world’s agricultural labour force which has been to around 70 percent in some the countries. For example, across Africa, around 80 percent of the agricultural production is supported by the rural areas where most of the workforce is women. It is globally accepted in developing countries that agriculture plays a key role in the growth and poverty reduction since it is the primary sector. Women, specifically mothers, play the huge role in decision-making about family diet and other important day to day activities. Additionally, self-reporting by women of their capabilities in preserving child health and nutrition is very well known. It is accepted more often than not that women are central to the stability of a family and healthy growth of the children.

Emotionally well off person keeps an environment happy irrespective of the gender.

Since ages we have seen women are the backbone of the family. A woman not only holds the knot of a family but also strengthens it with her initiatives. From giving birth to sacrificing her child for the nation, she does all which define her strength and devotion. A woman converts a building to a home; her smile brightens the lives of people around her. Despite all responsibilities and her multiple roles, she never gives up. Even the Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu agreed that women play an important role in the development of families, communities and nations. He had also quoted Gandhian scholar and educator, James Emmanuel’s Kwegyir who had stated that if one educates a man, one educates an individual; but if one educates a woman, one educates a family.

Women as natural caretakers

In almost all countries of the world women are the primary caretakers of children as well as the elders. According to International studies it has been demonstrated that whenever there is a change in economic and political organization of a society, women take the initiative to adapt and guide their families to adjust accordingly. For example, COVID 19, in this situation, a woman in each house has molded the family and their needs without any failure. Women are the generally initial initiator of adapting the family to the outside changes, and play a vital role in facilitating (or hindering) the changes in family life. In rural areas, women play a major role in supporting their households as well as communities. They carry out this role not only to achieve food and nutrition security, but also to generate income, and improve rural livelihoods. They take responsibility for an overall well-being generator.

Women: The Educators

Contributions by women are undeniable whether in the context of rise in the literacy rate graph or the society’s transition from overall poverty to overall richness. Basic education is mandatory for the development of a nation’s ability to grow and develop and achieve endurable targets. Research has proven that education can enhance agricultural productivity, improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of all especially girls and women. This can lead to stability in population growth rates. In turn this can raise the living standards in the society. In the chain of improvements, women play the role at the first-end leading to the family as well as the community’s durable capacity.

Women and the Workforce

Globally women hold around 45.4 per cent share in the workforce. Women in formal as well as informal labour can modify a community from an autonomous closed society to a national economy participant. In rural developing communities, despite many notable obstacles, small businesses by women have extended the family’s lifeline. Subsequently, this will also help form a networked economic foundation for upcoming generations. The place of women in the urban and rural workforce has enlarged exponentially in recent decades.

The International Women’s Day 2019 theme -“think equal, build smart, innovate for change,” was selected to recognize innovative ways to facilitate gender equality and the empowerment of women. Of course, women’s opportunities still are not the same to those of men worldwide. But, the historic as well as current role of women will always remain indisputable. Michelle Bachelet, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women stated that economic growth and food security will enhance when women are empowered and they have their hold on their rights. She had also further stated that this will lead to the improvement in prospects for both generations i.e. current and future.

It is not the gender that wins, it’s the dedication.

Women have been making us proud for years. A prominent Indian example in the case is Kalpana Chawla. She was the first Indian woman in space and a role model of millions. Her achievements have, without a doubt, made India proud. Gita Gopinath, the Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) makes her the second Indian and the first woman to hold this position. Hima Das, daughter of a rice farmer, at the age of 18 became a national sensation, by her performance at the IAAF World U20 Championships. The record of being the first Asian woman and the youngest to set a record in open swimming belongs to Bhakti Sharma. She hails from Udaipur in Rajasthan. PT Usha is a household name in India. She holds the record of being the youngest Indian sprinter at the age of 16 years. In 1988, Surekha Yadav became India’s first female passenger train driver.

It was never the gender that made us proud. The devotion and dedication of a woman in every field is undeniable. A woman and a man must have equal right to stay happy and must get equal chance to perform. The nation will remain incomplete without a woman; her happiness will brighten every house and will always brush up every smile. Her strength will build the confidence, her values and morals will keep our culture alive. The courage with which she is born will always teach us to stay strong and stick to the path. A woman is a creator of life, a guardian and caretaker, a protector; hence effectively her emotional wellbeing and happiness will enhance the growth of the household, society and nation.

The author is a student member of Amity Centre of Happiness.