Celebrating Women's Day can often feel like a grand gesture that ironically underscores a deeper issue: the relegation of gender equality to a singular day of acknowledgment.

It's akin to adopting a diet for a single day of the year and expecting lasting health benefits. This approach inherently "others" women, delivering a troubling message to young girls that their worth and rights merit recognition merely once annually.

This sentiment echoes the notion that Woman's Day, unlike birthdays or personal milestones, should not be an isolated event. True gender equality requires a ceaseless effort every day, around the clock. It’s about integrating respect, equality, and recognition into our daily lives, not just marking it on a calendar.

Societal structures must evolve to genuinely honor the spirit of Woman's Day. Teaching children about healthy, respectful boundaries from a young age is crucial. Incorporating ethics and consent into education—whether through school curriculums or faith-based teachings—challenges and changes outdated norms.

It’s noteworthy to question and critique the absence of female roles within certain religious leadership, prompting a reevaluation of traditional structures.

Furthermore, it is paramount to empower young women with the essential skills for life and career success. This includes academic and professional training and instilling confidence and resilience to navigate a world that often undervalues their contributions.

Respecting diversity—of thought, culture, and experience—is another cornerstone of true equality. It’s about appreciating the myriad ways women contribute to society without imposing a monolithic standard of success or recognition.

The corporate world, too, must align its practices with the principles of equality. Addressing pay disparities and creating equitable opportunities for advancement are tangible measures businesses can take to demonstrate their commitment to gender equality beyond symbolic gestures.

The story of my deceased partner, overlooked and remembered only in the context of a famous father who abandoned her, illustrates a poignant point. Her contributions, though significant, are condensed to a once-a-year memorial, a stark reminder of how women's achievements are often overshadowed by their male counterparts.

While Women's Day serves as a reminder of the strides made toward gender equality, it also highlights the extensive journey ahead. Celebrating women's achievements and advocating for their rights cannot be confined to a single day.

It demands ongoing, collective efforts to weave the principles of equality into the fabric of everyday life. Only then can we hope to honor the true spirit of Woman's Day—every day.

Epilogue.

The answer to the question above is nine, courtesy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If you don't understand the question, why it is nine, or who RBG was it's time to do some research and maybe some soul searching.