MARCH 8 — My friend James wished me and some other women friends on our small WhatsApp chat group, "Happy International Women’s Day!” this morning and most undeservedly got a snappy "Thanks but I don’t want just a day... I want the whole year!” from me.

His reply to my strident declaration made me laugh: "I’m sorry but for the rest of the year the men are celebrating themselves.”

And isn’t that just the thing: why is it that the world still needs to be reminded that women’s rights is human rights? Why do we still celebrate when studies show the number of women in management positions in Asia has increased? 

Do I feel that things have changed since I first joined the work force more than 30 years ago?

Yes and no. 

Do I feel discriminated against in any way?

Yes and no. 

Although I must say that growing older, I notice one more thing. Older people are often discriminated against... you will find it harder to get a job, you will start feeling "invisible” and of course people assume you are past your prime.

So being an older woman makes it even harder to claim your rights?

Yes and no.

But wait... back to women’s rights. Designating one day in the year to "celebrate” us is not enough. We need laws that treat us equally, we need equal opportunities. 

The rest is really up to us women.

We need to be kinder to each other (yes, kinder... that whole mean girls routine is just not cool), we need to be supportive of our choices (it is okay to be a stay-at-home mum... it is not a betrayal to the feminist movement) and we need to create opportunities where there are none. 

So, sisters, are you ready? Let’s do this.

One day at a time.

Until we have the whole damn year.

* Joan Lau is the managing editor of Malay Mail Online.