Women need to stay together to facilitate women development in the mountainous regions. Bali Devi, the companion of Gaura Devi in the Chipko Movement said this while addressing a gathering on the occasion of international women’s day in Joshimath.
Varied events including a rally and cultural programme were held in Joshimath to mark international women day on Tuesday. Women from various villages in the Painkhanda region of Chamoli district arrived in town and took out a public awareness rally after which Mahila Mangal Dal members presented a cultural programme. Theatrical depictions were staged to elicit focus on issues like gender discrimination and female foeticide among others. Selected women were also felicitated for their work in various spheres. Joshimath municipal council chairperson Rohini Rawat was also among those present at the event which also saw local women rendering folk songs and folk dance to celebrate the occasion.