Speaking volumes of the women’s role in the society to mark the International Women’s Day on Tuesday, Uttarakhand State Women Commission chairman Sarojani Kaintura said that women have been contributing their bit in almost every field, using their unique talent. “They have proved that they are not less than anyone in any field provided they are given the same opportunity,” she said while appealing to the women not to forget their social and familial responsibilities. Several programmes were held in the city to mark the day. Senior BJP leader Munna Singh Chauhan who addressed the students at DAV (PG) College during the students’ union week said that although they were celebrating Women’s Day for a day in a year this century is dedicated to the women who are progressing in step with the spirit of time. “It is now left to them to decide what role they want to play,” he added.
Student Federation of India (SFI), the CPI-M’s student wing, held a workshop on ‘Women’s Conditions’ at its office near Karanpur to mark the day. Speakers on the occasion expressed disappointment at the declining sex ratio (1000:943) as per National Census 2011 in Uttarakahnd. Things related to the sex ratio in some states are terrible, they said. They said equal opprotutnies should be provided to the women in education and other areas for thier uplift. SFI pledged to continue fighting for the women’s rights.
In Haridwar district, a free health check -up camp was held in police lines. A free health camp was also held at Press Club in Dehadun.
Society for Health, Education and Women Empowerment Awareness (SHEWA) Dehradun held a programme to mark the day and women of various fields were honoured by State Women Commission chairperson Kaintura. The vice- chairperson of the society Dr Sujata Sanjay, a gynecologist, stressed that the women are never found wanting as far as societal contribution is concerned.
Himgiri Zee University organised a special programme too to mark the day. Students from different departments performed plays, sang songs and spoke on various contemporary gender issues prevalent in India and the world.
Dowry, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, honour killing and gender discrimination were among the issues raised by the students.
WIC India honored women achievers to mark the day. The theme of the event was ‘I AM’-sharing life and community stories. According to the organisers, the purpose of the event was to remind all that the empowerment of women and their equality, liberty and dignity are not distant goals but reality.
Pride of Uttarakhand, 2016 was awarded to Santosh Kashyap for her contribution in women empowerment in the state. Most Influential Women leader, 2016 Award was conferred on Dr Namita Wahi, Wing Commander, for her exceptional leadership skills and extraordinary contributions to the society.
Speakers said that the Women’s International Day is a day to celebrate acts of exemplary courage and determination shown by ordinary women who have played extraordinary roles in all walks of life. WIC India believes in making a positive difference in the society by regularly hosting such events, the organizers added.
State Bank of India (SBI), New Cant Road branch, held a free health check- up programme for women at its administrative office to mark the day . Around 200 women attended the programme.
Uttarakhand Science Education and Research Centre held a programme at its office located Vasant Vihar and issues related to women were discussed and some women were awarded on the occasion.