THIS Sunday, March 8, the world observes International Women’s Day – a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements, resilience and contributions of women everywhere.
Across social media platforms, messages of appreciation will be shared.
Organisations will host events, campaigns will highlight women’s achievements, and many will take a moment to acknowledge the role women play in shaping families, communities and nations.
But the question worth reflecting on is this: should appreciation for women only surface once a year?
Women’s contributions are far too significant to be confined to a single day on the calendar.
Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping societies.
Some have stood in the spotlight as leaders, innovators and changemakers, while countless others have worked quietly behind the scenes – building families, strengthening communities and contributing to the economy in ways that are often unseen but deeply impactful.
Their strength lies not only in extraordinary achievements, but also in the everyday acts of dedication that sustain society.
Women are educators nurturing the next generation, healthcare workers caring for communities, entrepreneurs creating opportunities and professionals driving industries forward.
At the same time, many carry the equally important responsibility of caring for their families and maintaining households.
Balancing these roles is rarely simple.
Yet women continue to navigate these responsibilities with resilience, determination and remarkable adaptability.
The modern woman is no longer confined to traditional expectations.
Today, women are scientists, pilots, journalists, engineers, policymakers and business leaders.
They are shaping conversations, influencing decisions and contributing significantly to national development.
However, progress does not mean the journey is complete.
In many parts of the world, women continue to face challenges ranging from unequal opportunities to social expectations that can limit their potential.
Even in environments where opportunities exist, women often have to work harder to prove themselves.
This is why International Women’s Day remains important.
It is not merely a celebration but also a reminder – a reminder of how far society has come and how much further there is to go.
As the famous saying goes, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
That quote resonates strongly today because it reflects the evolving role of women in society.
Women are no longer asking for a seat at the table – many are building their own tables, creating spaces where their voices and ideas can flourish.
But recognition should not stop at admiration.
True appreciation means creating environments where women are supported, respected and empowered to pursue their ambitions without unnecessary barriers.
It means ensuring that opportunities are equitable and that women’s contributions are acknowledged not as exceptions, but as essential to societal progress.
Sometimes, appreciation can be found in simple gestures – recognising hard work, acknowledging sacrifices or simply expressing gratitude.
Often, the most powerful contributions by women occur quietly.
A mother guiding her child through life’s early lessons, a teacher encouraging a struggling student, a colleague offering support during a challenging project – these moments may not make headlines, but they shape lives in profound ways.
As someone who has had the privilege of meeting and interviewing many inspiring individuals throughout my career, one thing has become clear: behind many success stories are women whose influence and support made those achievements possible.
Their names may not always appear in reports or speeches, but their impact is undeniable.
International Women’s Day therefore offers an opportunity not only to celebrate well-known achievements but also to recognise the countless women whose daily efforts keep families, communities and institutions moving forward.
For many women, appreciation is not about grand gestures or elaborate celebrations.
It is about respect, recognition and the reassurance that their efforts are valued.
Perhaps the most meaningful way to honour women is by ensuring that appreciation continues beyond March 8.
Celebrate the colleague who consistently goes the extra mile.
Thank the mother who sacrifices her time and energy for her family.
Support the young girl pursuing her ambitions and encourage the women around us who continue striving for their dreams.
Because when women are supported, empowered and appreciated, the benefits extend far beyond individuals.
Families grow stronger, communities become more resilient and societies progress in meaningful ways.
International Women’s Day is a reminder of that truth.
But more importantly, it is a reminder that the recognition of women should not end when the day passes.
After all, the contributions of women do not happen once a year.
They happen every single day.
And that is something worth appreciating – not just on March 8, but every day of the year.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sarahhafizahchandra@gmail.com.
