Celebrating Women's Privilege
As always, it is Women’s Day again. Social media and TV channels will be filled with the same messages and the same stories—often focusing on women’s struggles and pain. I am not saying those stories are wrong or untrue. They are important and real. But I sometimes feel we should also speak more about the positive changes happening around us and celebrate women’s success stories just as strongly.
I often find it difficult to respond when someone says “Happy Women’s Day” to me. When I look at my own life, I wonder—do I really need this wish? To be honest, I come from a very privileged background. I was born and raised in a well-to-do, educated, and modern family. I was rarely told “no” to my wishes. I received the education I wanted and even had the freedom to experiment with different paths until I discovered what truly suited me. I never had to worry about the money spent on those experiments.
I was always encouraged to speak my mind and stand up against anything I disagreed with. Even in my professional life, I have been fortunate to work with supportive bosses who appreciated my work. For all of this, I am deeply grateful. I recognize that this is a privilege.
At the same time, I see women around me who are equally educated and professionally successful, yet they are still not allowed to speak freely or spend their own hard-earned money without asking for permission. They continue to depend on approval from others for decisions about their own lives. I find that frustrating. But real change can begin only when a woman herself decides she wants it. No one can truly help you unless you are ready to change your situation.
I have also been fortunate to meet many powerful and strong women in my life. They have given me immense strength and courage to live freely and confidently.
Of course, I must start with my mother. Even though we fight and disagree often, I deeply respect and appreciate the way she built both her personal and professional life so successfully. She truly tried to be a “superwoman” all her life—and she succeeded. She balanced her family and career beautifully, rarely showing stress or dissatisfaction. She carried her responsibilities with grace and did it all with genuine happiness.
The next two women who left a strong impact on me were my bosses in India. They started their own business and made it highly successful. I was always amazed by their courage. Starting a business in IT Industry as a women in India nearly 25 years ago was not easy. They faced challenges head-on and proved that determination and belief can break barriers.
Another woman I deeply admire is my ex-husband’s grandmother. When I heard her life story, I was truly amazed. She lived through World War II, had to leave her country after Germany lost the war, and endured countless hardships while raising her family. During the war, she even had to take on dangerous tasks to survive. Yet she never expressed bitterness or regret about her life. She remained positive, cheerful, and determined to find joy wherever she could—right until the end of her life. Her resilience was extraordinary.
When I look at these powerful women around me, I feel inspired and encouraged.
I must also thank the men in my life who have always supported women’s empowerment and freedom. First and foremost, my father. He never treated us differently because we were daughters. Unfortunately, I have seen many households where girls were denied freedom, education, or financial independence. But in our home, my sister and I always enjoyed equal freedom. My father never saw us through the lens of gender—only as his children who deserved the best life and every possible opportunity.
I would also like to mention my grandfather. He was very modern in his thinking and never discriminated based on gender. He encouraged us to pursue the best education and to travel the world. He raised his three daughters the same way. To do this 60–70 years ago in Indian society was certainly not easy, which makes his mindset even more admirable.
The third man I want to acknowledge is my ex-husband. Many might be surprised to see his name here, but despite the problems that can exist between a husband and wife, I must admit that he supported me in many ways. He helped me adjust to a new country, improve my language skills, grow as a person, and he never stood in the way of my freedom.
On this Women’s Day, my wish is that every woman finds her courage, her voice, and the strength to lead her life in her own way. I hope every woman understands that her happiness lies in her own hands. Change begins only when she truly decides she wants it—because only then can support from others truly make a difference.
I wish everyone a very happy and fulfilling life.
