We should not go against men, we should go hand in hand with them

Kathmandu:

She is a woman of strength and determination. Grace Ammal Asirwatham stands proud as the Ambassador of Democratic Socialist Republic of Srilanka to Nepal for the past three years and reiterates the fact that a woman has complete capability of becoming what she aspires to be if she has the right attitude and determination to do so. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, The Himalayan Times spoke to Asirwatham and got her insights into the lives of women and also her views on the empowerment of women in Asia and all around the world.

What are the essential attributes of a strong and successful woman?

A woman must believe in herself and have self-confidence. In fact, there are many things that go into the making of a strong woman, which include determination and courage. I also believe that even if you are not financially sound or not that resourceful, you can still live up to your aspirations if you strongly have the will to.

Who do you think possesses these qualities?

It will be unfair to single out just one woman as I really appreciate all women who are working hard to empower women. I would like to salute all women who really work hard in the grassroot level and work hard to free themselves. Every woman today is contributing to society and towards the development of her nation and it doesn’t matter how big or how small the contribution is. Nepali women work really hard. It’s just that those who have received prominence are always spoken about and those at the grassroots go unnoticed. I believe in encouraging these women especially as they are no less than the others.

What is your take on Sri Lankan women as compared to Nepali women?

In Srilanka, women have reached a very good mark already. This was certainly not an overnight development. In fact, women got voting rights even before we attained independence. The empowerment of women in Sri Lanka is all due to the policy of free education in our country and also because of the national mechanism for the advancement of women. We have no discrimination at any level at all — be it in education or recruitment. We have a literacy rate of 89 per cent in women, 52 per cent of women intake in schools and these are the factors that contribute towards the overall development of women. I really feel proud representing my country as a woman here.

Even in Nepal, I have noticed that women are very strong. It is not just about physical strength, we now see women driving tempos around town. Women are really trying to come up and those who are serious about the issue of women rights. At the grassroots, women in fact work harder than men. We should give them the share of their contribution. One thing that needs utmost attention is free education and free health.

One thing that is sad though is how women themselves at times become hindrances to their own empowerment. At times, they themselves look down upon women who think out of the box. Even within the household, a woman’s rights should be ensured. Women should be united to reach their goals, be independent and receive equality in society. We should not go against men, we should go hand in hand with them.

There are quite a lot of women in high positions in your country. What is your opinion on that?

Yes, in fact Sri Lanka produced the first ever prime minister in the world. Our former president was also a woman and so was my predecessor here. It is not much of a surprise for us. Our men have accepted us as equals. It is certainly a great achievement for us and we should be grateful to the public and free education policy. Twenty years ago, when I joined the civil services, there were only around seven women in service. This has now tremendously become 100 per cent more in number. Women at this point are very usefully and constructively contributing to the development of the country.

What do you think about celebrating International Women’s Day?

I strongly feel that International Women’s Day is marked to consolidate our strength, to celebrate our achievements and to focus on the future. This day is also special since it recognises those who have really created a change in women’s lives. Many countries and organisations are still struggling to give women that equal position and rights that they deserve. It is an important day and reminds us of our commitments year after year — a day to respect women for being women themselves.

Your advice to today’s women.

Work hard, do your share and you will certainly achieve your goals. It’s just that there should be a machinery and strict laws to protect your rights. Nothing can stop you hence from becoming what you have aspired to be.