Women – the true champions
WOMEN’S Day! It comes once a year but everyone around the world knows for a fact every day is their day. They are home-makers, decision-makers, mother, sister, daughter, a big part of the workforce and an integral part in the tapestry of life. They enrich the lives of others in countless ways as pillars of their families and society. A special celebration on this allotted day is welcome but not enough. They should be celebrated and appreciated every day!
This year, on March 8, the designated International Women’s Day, the Malaysian Ceylonese Congress (MCC) Women’s Section (WS) held a high-tea where a diverse range from among its members gathered. It was a simple affair with guests interacting and sharing their stories in a relaxed setting. Some were acquainted but out of touch and took this opportunity to catch up on happenings in each others lives.
The gathering was a perfect chance to renew ties and they did so with much laughter and chatter. The others simply enjoyed the company of the women present and had a pleasant afternoon mingling and sampling the array of food at the buffet counter at Cititel Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
MCC WS chairperson, Rajeswari Kandiah, said women’s contributions were invaluable, not just to their families but in nation building.
“Many in various professional fields epitomise this while on the home front, a woman’s touch and presence makes all the difference. The family benefits from her presence as the backbone and pillar of their strength. She is the support system that keeps the whole family going.
“The beauty is that she is all these and more but goes about life with grace and humility, without expecting any kind of recognition.
“While many recognise and appreciate these qualities, more is needed to be done for women to be in the forefront,” she said.
“In my WS circle, there are many to be proud of. They shine in one way or another in whatever they undertake, be it at work, in projects undertaken to improve the lot of the community or at the home front.
“One distinctive quality about these women is their selflessness. They put everyone above themselves and in doing so ensure progress all around. If possible, I would fete them everyday.
“That’s why this year the WS committee decided on this high-tea gathering. At the event, we took the opportunity to honour a long-serving MCC member, Leela Ganesan, for her service and contributions to the community.
“She is well into her 80s in age but still makes time to serve the community, saying this gives her immense satisfaction.
“There are many like her in our organisation, reaching out to help the less fortunate on a regular basis, irrespective of race, religion or gender,” said Rajeswari.
The campaign theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”. It emphasises the urgent need to take decisive steps toward achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress, and empowering women and girls worldwide.
Happy Women’s Day to all the extraordinary women out there!
