Tribute to women on their day

With the International Women's Day being just a day away, it is time to pay my genuine respect to women and express my eternal admiration for them.

I was fortunate enough to be blessed with a remarkable mother who spent her entire life raising her children after her husband (and my father) died. She was a woman who sacrificed her own happiness to ensure mine. Her love has inspired me to build great relationships with friends and colleagues, who have offered their unconditional help and support in my hours of need.

Spending my childhood in a society where men played a dominant role vis--vis women, I regretfully attempted to fit in by exhibiting the same attitude toward women. But as I grew older and wiser, I began to realize the fundamental role that women have played in my life.

As mothers, women nurture their children and guide them to become responsible adults. As wives, they spend their entire life making homes as comfortable as possible for their husbands. As professionals, women put in their best efforts to be equal partners in the advancement of our economy. And as friends, they sacrifice their time to cement our friendships.

On March 8, we all should pay our overdue respects to women and express our gratitude for them, whether they are mothers, wives, sisters, friends, colleagues or daughters.

Take a few moments of your time to celebrate the occasion with your significant other half by bringing her a bouquet of her favorite flowers. Invite your mother to a well-deserved dinner at the restaurant of her choice. Offer your heartfelt wishes to your woman friends and colleagues.

I am sad that I couldn't get the opportunity to express my eternal gratitude and profound love to my mother. Nevertheless, I will celebrate the day with my beloved wife.

Thabet Hassan, via e-mail

(China Daily 03/07/2013 page10)