Introduction:
On March, 2024, Swabhiman Samiti organized a Women’s Honoring Ceremony at its office to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event provided a platform for adolescent girls and women from numerous villages to discuss their issues, challenges, and aspirations. The ceremony highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment and awareness of health and education.

Objective:
The event aimed to:

  • Celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness about women’s health and rights.
  • Provide an opportunity for women and adolescent girls to openly discuss the challenges they face.
  • Encourage community participation in empowering women and promoting gender equality.

Key Speakers and Discussions:
The ceremony featured several notable speakers who shared valuable insights:

  • Dr. Saniya Siddiqui, Medical Officer at Community Health Center Uska Bazar, was the chief guest. She addressed the participants by emphasizing the importance of providing girls with opportunities for education and play. She encouraged families to support girls in pursuing their dreams and ambitions. Dr. Saniya also provided crucial information on menstrual hygiene management and ways to prevent common health issues that women face, stressing the need for awareness and self-care.
  • ANM Sushila Yadav also addressed the audience, adding to the discussions on women’s health and welfare, highlighting the significance of healthcare services in rural areas.
  • The program featured a skit on gender discrimination, presented by the adolescent girls, which creatively addressed societal gender biases and emphasized the importance of equality.

Cultural Programs and Participation:
In addition to the discussions, the event included cultural performances where women and girls showcased their talents. These performances helped foster a sense of community and celebration of women’s contributions to society.

Swabhiman Samiti’s Role:

  • Mamata Verma, the President of Swabhiman Samiti, delivered an informative speech on the history and significance of Women’s Day, shedding light on the global efforts to ensure gender equality and women’s rights.
  • The event was organized and coordinated by Mrinal from Piramal Foundation, who also managed the proceedings of the event with efficiency.
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Participation and Attendance:
The event saw the active participation of over 120 women and adolescent girls. Notable participants included:

  • Sambhavati, Suman, Priyanka, and Rita, who were present and contributed to the discussions and activities.

Conclusion:
The Women’s Honoring Ceremony organized by Swabhiman Samiti was a successful event, bringing together women and girls from across the region to discuss issues related to gender equality, health, and education. The ceremony not only celebrated women’s contributions but also educated the participants about important health practices and encouraged them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Acknowledgments:
Swabhiman Samiti extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Saniya Siddiqui, ANM Sushila Yadav, and Mrinal from Piramal Foundation for their support in organizing the event. Special appreciation is also due to the adolescent girls who presented the skit on gender discrimination and the cultural performances. The active participation of women and girls made the event impactful, and their voices highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to empower women and promote equality.