Men and women from the District Administration, several voluntary organisations, political parties, and educational institutions in the city came together this morning to celebrate International Women’s Day.

March 8 is celebrated as Women’s Day across the world, celebrating the strength and achievements of women. The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 as a result of the International Conference of Working Women. This year, the theme for Women’s Day is ‘Be Bold for Change’.

As part of the celebrations, educators, achievers, entrepreneurs, and prominent personalities were felicitated at various events. Special sessions, debates and presentations about the importance of women in society, their influence, and issues that affect them were held.

KALAMANDIRA

District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and Department of Women and Child Welfare had organised an event at Kalamandira to mark Women’s Day. 15 women including Anganwadi workers from all the Taluks in Mysuru were felicitated for the Swachh Bharat awareness they have created at their villages.

Inaugurating the programme, MP Pratap Simha recalled that an educated woman will be a pillar of strength for the family. He advised women to emulate great women warriors of history.

MLAs M.K. Somashekar G.T. Devegowda, ZP President Nayeema Sultana, ZP CEO Shivashankar, Women and Children Welfare Department Deputy Director K. Radha, Zoo Authority of Karnataka Chairperson Mallige Veeresh and MyLAC Chairman H.A. Venkatesh were present.

Organisation for Development of People (ODP)

The Organisation for Development of People (ODP), Mysuru, in association with Mahilodaya Mahila Okkoota (MMO) had organised a function at ODP premises in Bannimantap. About 1,500 women participated.

Inaugurating the event, former Chairperson of Karnataka State Women’s Commission Manjula Manasa advised women to be mentally strong, by inculcating boldness and courage.

Mysuru Bishop Most Rev. K.A. William presided over the event, Dr. M. Meek of Institute for Development Studies, Mysore University, spoke on the theme. ODP Director Rev. Fr. Staney D’Almeda, Deputy Director Fr. Mari Joseph, MMO President Jayamma, JCI Director Dr. Harish and others were present.

All India Mahila Samskrutika Sanghatane:The AIMSS (All India Mahila Samskrutika Sanghatane) celebrated Women’s Day in a unique manner by pressing the Government for fulfilment of its various demands on women issues.

Speaking after inaugurating the event at Rotary Hall on JLB Road here this morning, AIMSS National Vice-President Dr. Sudha Kamat said that women should fight for education, health and employment rights.

Stating that Stalin was credited with granting rights to women in Russia, she urged the Indian Government to provide education and employment  to women, besides taking care of their health needs.

Highlighting the role of women in the comprehensive growth of the society, she regretted that women had to fight for their just rights such as education, health and employment, even decades after Independence.

AIMSS’ 6-point charter of demands include prevention of crimes against women, launching of mid-day meal scheme in all women colleges of the State, training girl students in Karate in order to enable them to defend themselves and distribution of health card to domestic helpers.

The event also featured an interaction prog. on women rights.

AIMSS District office-bearers G.S. Seema, P.S. Sandhya, Nalina and others were present.