International Women’s Day 2025: Seminar and Celebration
Introduction:
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025, Swabhiman Samiti organized a seminar and celebration at its local office in Uska Bazar, Siddharthnagar. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of hundreds of women and adolescent girls from the surrounding areas. The program aimed to raise awareness about women’s rights, gender equality, health, and empowerment through meaningful dialogue, performances, and recognition of local changemakers.
The event was inaugurated with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by Ms. Sunita Singh, Project Director of the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA). She was joined by Dr. Preeti Shukla, Medical Officer of the Uska Bazar Community Health Center, and Ms. Mamta Verma, Chairperson of Swabhiman Samiti.
Objectives:
- To celebrate International Women’s Day by recognizing the contributions and rights of women in society.
- To raise awareness about gender equality, education, and health issues affecting women and girls.
- To encourage community dialogue around early marriage, menstrual hygiene, and women’s empowerment.
- To honor women and adolescent girls making a difference in their families and communities.
Participation and Activities:
- Inaugural Session:
- Sunita Singh, Chief Guest, delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of educating daughters, ensuring proper nutrition, and supporting daughters-in-law in their pursuit of education and growth.
- She also spoke about eliminating gender-based discrimination and urged the audience to act collectively toward gender justice.
- Health Awareness and Discussions:
- Preeti Shukla educated participants on menstrual hygiene and highlighted the health complications associated with early marriage.
- She emphasized the importance of delaying marriage and promoting reproductive health awareness among girls and women.
- Community Engagement:
- Mamta Verma (Chairperson, Swabhiman Samiti) and Ms. Kamrun Nisha addressed the gathering, reinforcing the importance of women’s empowerment and education.
- A street play (nukkad natak) was performed to showcase the negative impact of child marriage, creating strong emotional and social impact among the audience.
- Honoring Local Women and Girls:
- Several women and adolescent girls were honored and awarded for their contributions and active participation in community development and leadership.
- The awards served as motivation for others to come forward and lead change in their surroundings.
- Anchoring and Participation:
- The program was hosted by Ms. Mrinal, with active support from Priyanka Chaudhary, Ms. Suman Sahni, Ms. Sambhavati, and Ms. Sushnita Arya.
- The event had hundreds of women and girls in attendance, making it a vibrant and empowering celebration.
Impact and Outcomes:
The International Women’s Day 2025 event successfully created a platform for education, dialogue, and recognition. Through expert talks, performances, and community participation:
- Participants gained valuable knowledge about women’s rights and health.
- Awareness around early marriage, menstrual hygiene, and education was strengthened.
- Local women and girls were empowered through recognition, sparking motivation and leadership.
- The event fostered a spirit of solidarity, commitment, and collective responsibility for advancing gender equality in rural communities.
