I love. I care.

I protect. I support.

I nurture.

 

I sometimes burn.

I sometimes cry.

I give light to my near and dear ones.

 

I am soft. I am strong.

I cry buckets over a book or a movie.

I smile in the face of grief. I give strength to others.

 

I build bridges. I destroy walls.

I unite two homes.

I bring them closer.

 

I give birth. I bring new life into the world.

I shape a little one’s future.

I am honoured. I am humbled.

 

I love shopping and flowers and chocolates. I love pink.

I can stand my own in a Board Meeting.

Knowledge, will and courage are my weapons.

 

I love to be protected. I love to be loved.

I can make my mark in the world.

I can leave my footprints on the moon.

 

I am there in my parents’ walking sticks. I am there in my husband’s lunch box.

I am there in my brother’s Rakhi. I am there in my child’s homework.

I am there in the statements and reports at work.

 

I am Jodhaa. I am Sunita Williams. I am Shobhaa De.

I am Pratibha Patil. I am Sudha Murty.

I am the child that is abandoned on the roadside every day.

 

I am happy things are changing.

I know there is still a long way to go.

I am hopeful for more.

 

I am a woman.

I am proud to be a woman.

I love being a woman.

Happy Women’s Day.