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Women’s Day comes around, and suddenly, there’s a rush—bouquets, chocolates, grand speeches about empowerment. But let’s be honest: is that really what women want?
What women actually expect from men isn’t just a once-a-year celebration of their gender identity or their struggles as a woman, but a daily practice of respect, understanding, and partnership. It’s not about placing them on a pedestal on a special day—it’s about walking beside them as equals Every. Single. Day.
So, let’s move beyond the surface-level gestures and talk about the real, non-material things that tnon-materia and leave an impact.
1. True Partnership, Not Pedestals
Women don’t need to be "given" a space—they’re already shaping industries, leading communities, and driving change. What they seek is an environment where their contributions are valued without bias, where men recognize that leadership, empathy, and resilience belong to no single gender.
As Mr. Dinesh Chandra Pandey, Founder of Shankar Fenestrations and Glasses, puts it:
"Progress isn’t about one gender stepping aside for the other; it’s about walking forward together. Women want men who see ambition as natural, who respect perspectives different from their own, and who challenge, support, and inspire them—not out of obligation, but because collaboration makes us all stronger."
2. Respect That Goes Beyond Words
Respect is the foundation of every good relationship—whether at work, at home, or in friendships. It’s not just about admiration but about valuing women’s opinions, choices, and autonomy.
Mr. Udit Yadav, Founder & Director of Satan Digital, emphasizes:
"Women want respect above all else—they want their partner to value their opinions, listen to them, and treat them with dignity in every situation. A relationship should be built on partnership, not control. True love is about mutual respect, trust, and support, not dominance."
At work, this means ensuring women’s voices are heard in meetings, their contributions acknowledged, and their ambitions supported. At home, it means recognizing that household responsibilities are not "helping"—they’re shared duties.
3. Genuine Presence and Emotional Support
Women don’t just want men to be around; they want them to be present.
Gaurav Bhagat, Managing Director, Consortium Gifts, captures this perfectly:
"Quality time is not about being there; it's about being fully present. In a world full of distractions, real moments of connection build stronger relationships. True appreciation comes not just from words but from listening, engaging, and being there when it truly matters."
Emotional support is about more than just hearing—it’s about listening without judgment and providing a safe space where women feel seen, heard, and understood.
As Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, Manasthali, notes:
"Women balancing work and home often face stress and burnout, making mental well-being essential. Creating a judgment-free environment empowers women to prioritize their mental health without fear."
Support can be as simple as asking, "How are you really doing?" and actually listening to the answer.
4. Equal Opportunity and Fair Treatment
Despite progress, women still face barriers—especially in workplaces and entrepreneurial spaces.
Ms. Riddhi Bhagat, Founder of Binge on Baked (BoB), highlights:
"Even today, women do not receive the same level of confidence as men in managing certain affairs. In tier-two cities, workplaces and businesses remain male-dominated. The change has to start with us—by standing up against injustice and ensuring fair opportunities for all."
Supporting women means challenging bias, ensuring fair pay, and creating an environment where their ideas are valued just as much as men’s. It’s about recognizing women not as exceptions in leadership but as natural contenders for it.
5. Appreciation That Lasts Beyond Women’s Day
Appreciation isn’t just about one day of recognition—it’s about consistently valuing women’s contributions, big and small.
Gaurav Bhagat reinforces this:
"Appreciation in words can create ripples of goodness that strengthen relationships and foster mutual growth. When we acknowledge women’s efforts—whether at work, in relationships, or in society—we nurture a sense of belonging and self-worth."
Instead of just posting a Women’s Day message, try telling the women in your life:
"I see how hard you’re working, and I admire your dedication."
"I appreciate everything you do, even the things that go unnoticed."
6. Support Without Conditions
Women want men who stand by them—not just during good times, but also in challenges.
Mr. Udit Yadav puts it simply:
"Support should be consistent, not just during good times but also when things get tough. True partnership means standing by each other through every high and low."
Support also means recognizing that women shouldn’t have to “prove” themselves more than men to be taken seriously. It means actively working to remove barriers rather than expecting them to overcome unfair obstacles alone.
7. Freedom to Be Themselves
At the core of it all, what women want is the freedom to be themselves—without having to constantly justify, explain, or shrink their ambitions, choices, or emotions.
As Mr. Dinesh Chandra Pandey said:
"Women don’t need to be given space; they are already here, shaping industries, leading communities, and driving change."
The best thing men can do? Support, uplift, and stand beside them—not just today, but every day.
A Shift in Mindset Over a One-Day Celebration
This Women’s Day, let’s move beyond material gifts and performative gestures. The real gifts women want from men are true partnership, where men and women walk together, not ahead or behind; respect that goes beyond words and is reflected in actions; emotional support that comes from being fully present and truly listening; fair opportunities where women’s work is valued without bias; consistent appreciation that recognizes contributions every day; unwavering support that remains constant through every high and low; and the freedom to exist, lead, and dream without limitations.
Because when men and women uplift each other, we don’t just celebrate a day—we create a better world.