The 8th of March is over, what happens next?

Women need genuine care from men, not just token gifts. (In the photo: Men washing dishes together after a Women's Day celebration - Photo: THU HUỆ)

The forum "Do women need to receive gifts and only feel happy when they receive them?" organized by Tuoi Tre Online on International Women's Day, March 8th, struck a chord with many men and women, and within a short time, received numerous emails sharing personal stories and perspectives on gift-giving on special occasions like March 8th.

In addition to emails sent to Nhip Song Tre (Youth Life), Tuoi Tre Online has also received hundreds of comments from readers on the articles published.

The discussion about gift-giving on March 8th was merely a suggestion, as many comments frankly addressed the pressures faced by gift-givers, or conversely, the desire to give gifts only to be refused! Furthermore, there were still plenty of opinions expressing that if men only go through the motions for the sake of formality, then there's no point in giving gifts or throwing parties.

However, the common denominator remains the opinion that women need to be loved, cared for, and genuinely looked after by those around them; and to receive understanding and support from society.

Above all, women need to love themselves and respect their own worth. Women should not expect gifts from men or colleagues as a mere formality.

One thought-provoking observation, after exchanging greetings, is that for men, the most precious gift they can give to their mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, female colleagues... on March 8th or any day of the year, is perhaps their "presence"?

That "presence" is the hands of a mother, of a life partner, that share countless unnamed tasks, from household chores to responsibilities outside the home.

That "presence" refers to moderate, sufficient attention given to the woman by her side, rather than superficiality masked by the excuse of "because I'm a man."

That "presence" also includes an attitude of respect for female colleagues, instead of assuming they are incapable of doing this or that; it includes occasional teasing about their appearance, and playful jokes about their love lives disguised as "just kidding"...

That "presence" doesn't always have to be tangible. Sometimes, just remembering a word or a glance from the man she cherishes can warm her heart and bring her peace of mind.

After March 8th, both women and men will likely resume their daily lives, but perhaps this year's March 8th has brought about shifts in the thinking of many people.

The forum "Do women need to receive gifts and only feel happy when they receive them?" has received emails from readers: Thanh Nguyen, Luong Bich Thuy, Tran Van Tam, Thai Hoang, Thao Vi, Truong Thi My Ha, Ly Bao Duy, Pham Minh Chanh, Nguyen Minh Ut, Tran Thi Phuong, Phan Thanh Cam Giang, Nguyen Huu Nhan, Le Tan Thoi, Luong Dinh Khoa...

Tuoi Tre Online sincerely thanks our readers for their participation. We hope to continue receiving your support and contributions in the future, on other Tuoi Tre forums.

Ms. Tran My Hai Loc ( Deputy Head of the Political and Diplomatic Affairs Department, Faculty of International Relations, HUFLIT):

March 8th: The perfect time to question the role of women.

MSc. Tran My Hai Loc - Photo: Provided by the interviewee

International Women's Day (March 8th) is not only an occasion for giving gifts and showing appreciation, but also an ideal time to question existing societal perceptions about the role of women.

Despite progress in gender equality, many people in society today, including educated men, still consider women's primary roles to be bearing children, managing the household, and domestic duties. Many families still hold strong beliefs about having a son to carry on the family lineage and inherit property.

A report by the World Economic Forum has indicated that gender equality remains an unfulfilled goal, with no country achieving complete equality between men and women. In fact, only nine countries have narrowed the gender gap by at least 80%, including Iceland, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Nicaragua, Namibia, and Lithuania.

Vietnam is considered to be "gradually moving towards gender equality," and the fact that many women hold leadership positions from business to politics is a positive sign. This demonstrates a shift in societal views and attitudes regarding the capabilities and contributions of Vietnamese women in contemporary society.

Beyond mere honoring, we hope that every day of the 365 years will be like March 8th, further motivating women to continue contributing, pursuing their dreams, and upholding life's values. At the same time, we must work together to end the recurring incidents of violence and abuse against women and girls that have occurred in recent years.

Luu Dinh Long wrote

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/het-ngay-8-3-roi-sao-nua-20240308211530341.htm