Women’s Day celebrations in Odisha

The theme for International Women’s Day this year was ‘Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!’ It envisions a world where every woman and girl can exercise her choices such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination.



In line with this theme, Essar Foundation celebrated  Women’s Day on March 8, 2015, with women from the Self Help Group (SHG) Federation in Odisha. The SHG Federation is promoted under the Integrated Child Development Services scheme at Paradeepgarh and Balidia villages in Jagatsinghpur district. Over 400 women participated in the program which was held at Paradeepgarh.



Mr Sadanand Tripathy, Assistant Brach Manager, State Bank of India, Paradeepgarh; Prof Rita Roy, Board Member, Essar Steel Odisha; Ms Sasmita Behera, Sarpanch, Paradeepgarh; and Mr Sudhanshu Nayak, Inspector-in-Charge, Paradeep Police Station; inaugurated the program by lighting a lamp. Members of the SHG Federation including the Secretary Ms Snehalata Pradhan then sang the inaugural song. In her speech, Prof Rita Roy exhorted the women to come together and face challenges with determination.  The SHG members participated in debates, quizzes and singing competitions on the issue of women empowerment. Prizes were then distributed to winners of the various competitions.