The Youth for Social Development (YSD) pleaded for equality in society observing the International Women's Day here on Monday with women groups in 20 slums in Brahmapur city and 18 Gram Panchayats under Khallikote, Purusottampur and Kabisuryanagar blocks in Ganjam district.
More than 1,235 women participants coming from different areas gathered to observe the day. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was “#ChooseToChallenge” which indicates that a “challenged world is an alert world, and from challenge comes change”. "This year, we can all choose to challenge everything that has been holding us back and become better allies," said YSD Project Coordinator Chandan Kumar Sahu.
Speaking on the occasion, well known social worker Sisirkanta Panda in his best wishes stressed the need for women empowerment that ultimately empowers the society at large.Empowerment of women holds the key in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure gender justice, he added.
Badhinuapalli sarpanch Basudev Rout highlighted the issues like discrimination, equal rights at work place and increasing domestic violence. T Sabitri Devi, teacher of Ch Nuagoan High School also spoke. Chabi Barik and senior Anganwadi worker Jhunu Padhi of Old Berhampur Street and Kalpana Nahari of Old Lanjipalli Goudabandh Street shared the challenges taken by the girls and women in different spheres of life.
The Mahila Adhikar Mancha members and adolescents of Kisrori Shakti Teen Clubs in 20 slums took pledge. Several Mahila Adhikar Mancha members were felicitated.