International women’s day is just approaching next week. It was a day made for general, social and political upliftment of women. Usually the world has so long been dominated by men that majority of women tend to see the world through men’s eyes. Their thoughts, their working is as set by men. They try to follow the norms laid by men in the society. In doing so, they have forgotten the innate inner strength they possess by nature and just presume to be weaklings as projected by the conventional thinking of the society.Women have great strength of mind and are naturally stronger than men. A man has greater physical force, but when it comes to mental force, he is no match for a woman. An average woman leaves her parental home and makes her husband’s home her own.  Here, she is the one who adjusts and adapts to an entirely new environment. A woman endures the inconvenience of bearing a child for 9 months and also the agony of delivering it. In spite of suffering so much pain, she loves the new born with her heart and soul and cares for the baby till he/she grows in to an adult. All this is possible only because of immense mental strength possessed by a lady. In ancient times, women have been successful rulers and gallant soldiers, whenever given a chance. Today, along with more facilities for education and vocational skills, women have shown their mettle in every field. Domains previously thought to be for men like engineering, computers, e.t.c., have a large number of women successfully working even in high positions.  Regarding politics, leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi had changed the course of history.  Close to home, WANGARI Maathai of Kenya won Nobel peace prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development and peace.   Women in no way lack intelligence and capability as compared to men. But unfortunately many women do not   use their intellect and skills.  It may be due to lack of opportunity or restrictions by the family or society. In some cases, it is lack of will on part of the women as individuals to do something worthwhile with their time and skills, though there may not be any restrictions.  Women also posses   natural inherent qualities of kindness, compassion and sympathy in abundance, which gives them power over men. Mother Teresa was an example in recent times. Without holding any riches or political post, she has been a revered figure world over. Since    commencement of international women’s day, about   more than 8 decades ago, things have changed positively   in many ways for women,   but some are still being oppressed. The status of women varies according to the prevalent customs, political and individual will   of people involved with the women as relatives or policy makers.  Policies of Government of Rwanda regarding women are exemplary, and have been appreciated in the international forums on women. Today the need is that women recognize their intellect and talents and make efforts to develop them for better. Being, glamorous and "sexy”, should not be the sole aim of life. When a woman develops for better, a family improves and improvement of families leads to positive development of a society and nation. It is also important that women, irrespective of their jobs or position  retain their natural feminine qualities of kindness, love and compassion. Being liberated and emancipated, should not mean that they shun their normal duties as a daughter, wife or mother. Those women who have been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to rise in life should try to help in improvement of the status of the unfortunate ones who due to many reasons remain backward and or suppressed. Most important thing needed is that women ought to learn to respect themselves and keep their integrity in thoughts, word and action. This will earn them the respect of all around them.