A deluge of events has marked the run-up to International Women's Day on March 8. There was slick packaging, hype and hoopla, the media mileage one gets from using women's causes as a platform ensures that the day has high visibility. Many organisations from public to private have women-themed projects. Several are welcome and very inspiring initiatives, documenting achievements in the face of adversity. There are also adventurous challenges such as parades, car rallies, mountain climbing, talks about gender equality and sobering reminders of how far women have come, but most importantly, how far they have to go, in terms of smashing the glass ceiling and breaking barriers.

While all the accolades are inspiration and do motivate girls to move ahead, they are also vital in changing mindsets of families, when it comes to gender equality and equations.