Ironies of Society

Today we celebrate, with words so bright, The strength and resilience of women in sight. But amidst the cheers and applause, we must face, The ironies of society, in this patriarchal space. We praise women's courage, their hearts so bold, Yet, we question their choices, their stories untold. We expect them to nurture, to care and to share, But, we deny them equality, and show them we don't care. We celebrate their beauty, their smiles so wide, But, we objectify their bodies, and commodify their pride. We ask them to conform, to fit into our mold, But, we punish them for speaking out, for being bold. We talk of empowerment, of freedom and of rights, But, we deny them agency, and silence their voices in the night. We expect them to be strong, to carry the weight, But, we don't provide support, and leave them to navigate. Today, on Women's Day, let's acknowledge the strife, Let's recognize the ironies, and work towards a better life. Let's break the chains of patriarchy, and create a new way, Where women are valued, respected, and have equal say. ~ Pramiti Mukherjee