Hello ladies, it's your day

Rapes, discrimination and often lack of essential freedom continue to haunt women in India. But despite the troubles, they rise above it all.    

On International Women’s Day, let’s give a shout out to the desi girl.

Girls just wanna have fun: This gang of girls let their hair down during an International Women's Day celebrations in Nagpur on Sunday. Photograph: PTI

Put your hands up... Activists have a blast at a Women's Day celebration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.  Photograph:  Subhav Shukla/PTI

What's a fun day out without a selfie. Photograph: Sahil Salvi

All decked up in traditional Maharashtrian saris, women in Thane show that they are in the driver's seat. Photograph: PTI

Fly high! Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel felicitates Squadron Leader Sneha Sekhavat, who lead the all-women marching contingent of the Indian Air Force on Republic Day. Photograph: PTI

Tabla player Anuradha Pal (not in the picture), Sitarist Meeta Nag, vocalist Sharvari Nagvekar and Ghatam player Ramya Ramesh, members of Stree Shakti, an Indian classical music orchestra, performing in Mumbai on Saturday. Photograph: PTI

Attention, we have a message for you. Photograph: PTI