Barack Obama once said of the woman who shared his life and played an important role in his becoming President of  the United States of America, “ Most people who meet my wife quickly conclude that she is remarkable. They are right about this. She is smart, funny and thoroughly charming. Often, after hearing her speak at some function or working with her on a project, people will approach me and say something to the effect of, you know, I think the world of you, Barack, but your wife, wow!” A candid disclosure from a proud, confident husband who has always held his wife in regard and as an example to be emulated. March 8 is celebrated around the world as International Women’s Day with thousands of events celebrating the achievements of women through rallies, seminars, government activities and networking events, special bazaars, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more. It is a day that celebrates the role that ordinary women play to become extraordinary.

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On Monday March 8, the Sri Lankan Embassy Seva Vanitha Unit(Women’s Association)  celebrated the achievements of women across the world at a special programme at the Ambassador’s residence. “Since  1908, this has been  a day to celebrate the achievement of   women around the world regardless of  their national, ethnic,  linguistic, cultural, economic and political  differences,” said Mrs Ramaniya Dissanayake, Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit and wife of the Sri Lankan Ambassador. International Women’s Day is also observed by the United Nations, which is a key player in the fight women have waged for the past nine decades for basic equal rights to lead their lives as individuals and to play a more effective role in society.

A host of dignitaries led by Chief Guest Sheikha Shua Al Salem Al Sabah, the honorary Chairperson of International Women’s Group graced the occasion along with representatives from various embassies and prominent women’s associations in Kuwait including the Indian Women’s Association, International Women’s Group, Sri Lankan Women’s Association  and Wow.  “As a nation we believe in the progress and education of women. After all we had a woman Prime Minister in Pakistan, “remarked Yasmine Mozaffer, wife of the Ambassador of Pakistan and President of Pakistan Women’s Forum, referring to Late Benazir Bhutto. “We must not forget that women make up half the population of the world. We are very happy to have witnessed the entry of four Kuwaiti women MPs into Parliament. We would like to see more women come into politics. Women in Pakistan are into every field. Apart from being effective professionals they are also very good homemakers.” An educated woman benefits the entire society, she explained. “Mothers are the cradles of civilizations. There is a saying that if you educate a woman, you educate a society, but if you educate a man you educate an individual.” Anouma Upasena, a Sri Lankan   beauty consultant who later gave professional suggestions to the gathered guests regarding their appearance was upbeat about the role that women play in Sri Lanka.  “Women in Sri Lanka are now in every field. They are free and are doing very well in their respective professions,” she said.
The programme that followed focused and celebrated the achievements of women not only in Sri Lanka, but around the world and reinforced the feeling of pride women take in their womanhood.  “International Women’s Day is a celebration of  the social economic and political achievements of women through the decades. This is  the 99th International Women’s Day,” said Lakmini Vijayakoon, the able Mistress of Ceremonies.  The show recalled the achievements of women around the world who have contributed immensely in making others feel worthy by effectively participating, and becoming trend setters in different fields at different points in time. A well produced audio visual featured greats like Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earheart, Irish Women’s Workers, Florence Griffith Joyner, Mother Teresa, Eleanor Roosevelt, Princess Diana, Indira Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto. In her speech Mrs Dissanayake expressed her appreciation for great women for their inspiring work with a special reference to Sirimavo Bandarnaike, the First Woman Prime Minister of the world from Sri Lanka.

 “In fact the women in Srilanka play a more prominent role in supporting the nation’s economy in which they claim a lion share in the three largest foreign exchange earners such as garment industry, expatriate remittances and tea sector,” said the proud Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit in her short uplifting speech.
 The programme also included a segment on Sri Lankan women  like Chandrika Kumaratunga, Former President of Sri Lanka,  Rosy Senanayake, the first title holder of the Miss World Competition, Sushantika  Jayasinghe, the  winner of the coveted silver medal at the 2000 Olympics and others who made their country proud in the international arena. The show was well organized, focused and praise worthy  for the effort and dedication with which the organizers brought together song, speech and poetry to highlight  the difficult multifarious roles played by women around the world with commendable ease.