Every year, on March 8th, social media floods with Women’s Day wishes, brands roll out their “empowering” campaigns, and men suddenly remember to post about the strong women in their lives. But let’s be honest, does a “Happy Women’s Day” really mean anything when, for the remaining 364 days, women are subjected to relentless judgment, mostly from other women?

The Never-Ending Judgment

A woman walks into a room, and instantly, she is assessed, labeled, and categorized—by her own kind.

Not educated enough, too educated.
Not independent, too independent.
Not marriage material, too marriage material.
Working? Neglecting family. Not working? Wasting her potential.
Doing it herself? Trying too hard. Having help? Privileged and lazy.
Too fat, too skinny, too dark, too fair.
Grew up in a village? Too backward. City-raised? Too modern.

There is no winning. No matter what a woman does, another woman will be waiting to pick it apart. And yet, on Women’s Day, we all conveniently plaster “Empowered Women Empower Women” across our Instagram stories. The irony is painful.

The Real Meaning of Empowerment

Respecting women isn’t about a well-designed post on March 8th. It’s about something far simpler, yet so difficult for many to practice, letting women be.

Let her live without dissecting every choice she makes.
Let her work, or not work, without branding her with stereotypes.
Let her be a mother, a CEO, a homemaker, an artist, without questioning her worth.
Let her celebrate her successes without assuming she had it easy.

Empowerment isn’t about words, it’s about actions.

This Women’s Day, Let’s Get Real

Before you wish a woman “Happy Women’s Day,” ask yourself: Are you part of the problem?

If you’ve ever whispered about a woman’s appearance, mocked her choices, belittled her success, or doubted her strength, then maybe this year, skip the empty wishes. Instead, choose kindness over criticism.

Celebrate women, not just today, but every day.
Encourage instead of tear down.
Support without conditions.

To all the women who choose kindness over criticism, Happy Women’s Day. You are the real reason this day means something.