In our rapidly changing social and political environment, the importance and necessity of women’s awards is coming under scrutiny. The recent controversial case of a woman being felicitated by the chief minister on Women’s Day in Haryana has raised serious questions. In today’s cultural environment, where representation is often prioritised, some awards have shifted the focus from true achievements to mere showmanship. Women’s awards should not become outdated symbols or tools of showmanship. They must continue to highlight the specific challenges and successes of women in various fields. For women’s awards, institutions should aim to enhance the prestige of these specific honours. Women’s achievements deserve dedicated acknowledgment—not as an afterthought, but as a fitting tribute to their significant contributions.
The recent controversy over the Chief Minister’s award to a woman on Women’s Day in Haryana has raised serious questions. For many years, the Mahila Awards have stood as shining symbols of recognition, highlighting women’s achievements in fields where they have often been marginalised. These awards are more than just an inspiration for inclusion; they aim to honour outstanding achievements in a society that has often overlooked women’s contributions. However, the integrity of these awards is now at risk, challenged by political influences and changing cultural attitudes. The future of the Mahila Awards depends on society’s ability to find a balance between fairness, recognition and inclusiveness. It is important how we honour women’s achievements going forward.
The Women’s Awards have historically played a vital role in acknowledging and honoring female achievements in a variety of fields. Whether in literature, science, sports, or film, these awards have provided much-needed recognition in areas where women often face challenges. However, in our rapidly changing social and political climate, the significance and necessity of these awards are coming under scrutiny. In the past, the Women’s Awards represented a hard-earned acknowledgment of excellence in fields where female talent was often overlooked. They were symbols not just of inclusion, but of resilience, determination, and pioneering success. Today, however, these awards are at risk of losing their integrity—not because of a decline in women’s achievements, but because their original meaning of recognition is being blurred, politicized, or discarded altogether.
At a time when inclusivity is claimed to be embraced, the unique purpose of the Women’s Awards risks backfiring. Some argue that gender-specific awards should no longer exist in a society that aims for equality. But does true equality come from eliminating platforms that once amplified women’s voices? Rather than creating a level playing field, we are seeing a worrying trend: the mixing, repurposing, or outright removal of awards designed to honor women’s contributions. In today’s cultural climate, where representation is often prioritized, some awards have shifted the focus from true achievements to a focus on mere showmanship. Rather than celebrating genuine merit, selection committees feel obliged to make choices that align with political correctness, which can compromise the integrity of the awards.
If a woman is honored not for her exceptional abilities but because she fits into a specific narrative, does that recognition really hold the same value? Women’s awards must not become outdated symbols or tools of ostentation. They must continue to highlight the specific challenges and successes of women across different fields. The answer lies in increasing the significance of these awards—ensuring they represent true excellence rather than just a symbolic gesture. If we truly want to celebrate women, their awards must not be a mere formality. They must serve as true acknowledgments of talent, resilience, and significant contributions. Furthermore, the growing politicization of awards has blurred the clarity of merit-based recognition.
Some awards have become mired in discussions about representation, diversity quotas, and performative activism rather than focusing on genuine excellence. When winners are selected primarily based on other factors rather than their notable achievements, this undermines the credibility of the awards. Women need recognition that reflects their skills and influence, not mere token gestures. To keep these awards relevant and respected, they must follow strict selection criteria that focus on true achievements rather than merely symbolic actions. Organizations should be open about how they select their honorees, ensuring that recognition is based on merit rather than external influences. Additionally, for women’s awards, institutions should aim to increase the prestige of these specific honors.
Women’s achievements deserve dedicated recognition—not as an afterthought, but as a fitting tribute to their significant contributions. At a time when we should be celebrating and protecting progress, the dwindling respect for women’s awards is troubling. If we truly appreciate the impact of women across various fields, we must ensure that their recognition is meaningful, credible, and truly representative of their contribution to society.
