A week after the celebration of International Women’s Day with reaffirmations of equality, the recognition of women role-models, expressions of love for women in our lives, we turn to ask: Why do we mark an international women’s day? Does such a “day,” simply allow for hollow congratulations in a world that is deeply divided on gender lines, as illustrated every other day of the year? Why not have a “men’s day”—are we reinforcing inequality? And does this day reflect an acceptance that all women, everywhere, across the globe, are simply the same?

Moderator Mallika Kaur will pose these questions and more to a panel that draws on the experiences, wisdom and perspectives of four Sikh women from four continents, who have never before spoken with each other about Sikhi, womanhood, identity, and aspirations.

Nimrat Kaur (Panelist), is the assistant editor of Rozana Spokesman and is based in Chandigarh, Punjab. For the last 14 years, she has also been actively involved in providing education to children who have been involved in child labor.

Paramjit Kaur Matharu (Panelist), based in London, UK, is J P Morgan Chase Global Indirect Tax head and an Executive member of the UK Sikh Council; chair of the European and international Affairs committee,focused on legal and human rights challenges for the community.

Tejpreet Kaur (Panelist), based in Nairobi, Kenya, has worked in the field of community development for over 15 years, specializing in addressing systemic issues affecting and limiting the advancement of women, youth and low-income families.

Mallika Kaur (Moderator/Panelist) is a lawyer and writer who focuses on gender and minority issues in the U.S. and South Asia. She is a Board Member of SAFAR, the Sikh Feminist Research Institute and a founding Board Member of the Sikh Family Center.