#TimeIsNow - This International Women's Day, Empower The Woman In Your Life!

It's International Women’s Day yet again. A time to celebrate women’s accomplishments- both those of legendary creators including Mother Teresa, Kiran Bedi, Anuradha Koirala – the anti-sex-trafficking activist & Mary Kom to name a few and the women in our lives who mentor and inspire us every day. It’s a day to celebrate our journey towards gender equality and women empowerment.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women's lives.” It comes on the heels of unprecedented global movement for women’s rights, equality, and justice. The theme has taken the global campaigns and marches on issues ranging from sexual harassment and femicide to equal pay and women’s political representation.

Women still have a long way to go to attain equality and non-discrimination from her male counterparts. 2018 International Women’s day is an 'iron in the fire opportunity' to bring a call to action to entrust women with what they actually deserve, not only in a particular sector but to every woman who resides in urban as well as rural areas. It is a step to respect and appreciate the women who step out every day for the livelihood of their families and kids - a step to stop casual sexism faced by urban women in the workplace.

Women, experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, not only bear strained relationships with their counterparts but also are at risk of numerous health problems. Let us know about the health effects of sexual harassment:

1. Depression: Self-doubt and criticism can lead to depression and loss of interest in work or other activities. Women also experience loss of self-confidence and feelings of failure & powerlessness.
2. Anxiety: Many women feel anxious about going to work, communicating with co-workers or being involved in social situations.
3. Insomnia: Sexual harassment trauma can cause nightmares and may lessen the woman's ability to sleep properly.
4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Studies say that sexual harassment meets the Criteria A1 and A2 of PTSD. The stress of sexual harassment may cause a woman to relive the trauma even when it is not happening, or avoid things or people that remind her of the sexual harassment.

The International Women’s Day echoes a word for transforming the lives of women with a bold determination not just on papers but in reality to support the women all around the globe. Many working women have sad tales to tell as they are exploited at a very high level, and they actually lead a stressful life in comparison to their male counterparts.

So, the spotlight this year is to fight against the injustice that most women face every day and to bring about a change that will be remembered for years and will outshine the lives of such women who devote themselves for the livelihood of their families.

Join a campaign, embrace your inner activist and empower the women in your life...

The #TimeisNow To:

• Raise your voice
• Support each other
• Share the workload
• Get involved
• Educate the next generation
• Know your rights

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!