For International Women’s Day, Amma addressed a gathering of women religious and spiritual leaders at a summit in Jaipur: ‘Making Way for the Feminine for the Benefit of the World Community’. The event was organized by the Global Peace Initiative of Women and held at Clarks Amer Hotel.
Speakng on ‘The Infinite Potential of Women’, Amma called on the need for both women and men to come together in unity, accepting, respecting and valuing each other’s differences.
“All around the world, heated discussions are arising about giving women an equal place to men in all spheres of society, according them the same respect and reverence. This is a welcome sign of change,” said Amma.
“Women have had to silently suffer for a long time without such dialogue. Throughout history, women have been subject to physical, emotional and intellectual exploitation and persecution.
“Even in countries where there is supposed to be progressive thinking and development, women are still being discriminated against in many arenas, even though its intensity has somewhat decreased.
“Alienating women from matters of finance and politics is to discard half of the intellect and strength of society.”
Amma spoke about how women have the potential to soar into the endless sky of strength and freedom. But before this can become a reality, they must eliminate the thought that they are powerless, limited and weak. Then a change will “spontaneously occur within”.
She said, “There are differences in the outlook, approach and activities of men and women according to differences in time, place and culture. Nevertheless, courageous women have lived in every age and broken out from the cages that were imposed on them to start revolutions.
“Indian princesses like Rani Padmini, Hathi Rani, Mirabai and Jhansi Rani were such symbols of valour and purity.
“Similar jewels of womanhood have existed in other countries too. Some examples are Florence Nightingale, Joan of Arc and Harriet Tubman.
“Whenever opportunities have presented themselves, women have outshone men in every field. A woman has the talent and strength to do so.
“There is invincible strength in woman. If she can escape the utterly dark prison cell of her mind and emotions, she can soar into the endless skies of freedom.”
The vast sky is the eagle’s birthright. In the same way, a woman has the potential to soar into the endless sky of strength and freedom.
Amma
Amma also stressed the importance of women holding on to their innate femininity and qualities associated with motherhood.
“It’s true that women must move forward, but they also need to turn back to consider the child following in their footsteps, not discarding their parental responsibilities,” she shared.
“For the sake of her children, a mother should have at least some patience. It’s not enough to give a baby space in her womb; she must also give space in her heart.”
The meeting was convened by Ms Dena Merriam, Founder of Global Peace Initiative of Women, and co-chaired by Rev Dr Joan Brown Campbell, Baptist minister, and Sister Joan Chittister, Benedictine nun. Participating in the event were many young people from across the globe.
Upon the conclusion of her address, Amma met privately with representatives from areas of conflict, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Turkey, and several African nations. Amma offered them her full support, saying that she would bless their initiatives and provide every help she could.
In 2003, Amma addressed the organization’s first summit, whereupon she was awarded the Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence.
