BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Today is International Women’s Day. Recognised every year on March 8, this occasion is one when several countries across the world hail women for their achievements in various areas in society while looking back at those challenges overcome, accomplishments made and future potential gains still to be had for females. Starting back in 1975 during International Women’s Year, this celebration has continued annually for nearly four decades, charting the development of women’s contributions in cultural, economic, political and educational fields, amongst others. It does not however seek to diminish the efforts of women as mothers or in their traditional role in the home, but aims to highlight the fact that females should be given the same opportunities as males and be able to participate in any role desired in a nation’s development without discrimination.