Tribal residents of Kaloshiriya gram panchayat in Sundargarh district’s Kuarmunda block observed the International Women’s Day with much fanfare and gaiety. A cultural programme organised at Putrikhaman village was attended by over five hundred women and men belonging 24 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) facilitated by Disha, a leading social organisation.
A welcome song in Mundari marked the beginning of the day. Various traditional dance programmes, including Munda, Sadri and Dankat dances, were organised. In the inaugural meeting, Biramitrapur MlA George Tirkey attended as the chief guest and highlighted how women play a very crucial role in the society. Stating that women and girls are facing various social malaises, Tirkey urged upon all to play a positive role to challenge the societal stereotypes and societal norms.
He lauded local women’s struggle to make their villages alcohol free and said alcohol use should be banned in the whole region. He urged upon women and men to conserve and protect their natural resources.
Some women speaking on the occasion expressed concerns that though they constitute almost half of the population yet all decisions are being taken by other halves. They also discussed issues like identity, rights and their contributions to family and the society. Besides, many other social, cultural and political organisations of the steel city also observed the day.