Spirit of women celebrated on International Women's Day in Bhubaneswar

BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to celebrate the spirit of women and to bridge the gender gap, more than one hundred women participated in an all women bike rally on the occasion of International Women’s Day here on Thursday. The bike rally ‘Women against Sexual Harassment’ (WASH) aimed at creating awareness on sexual harassment.
The rally started from Sikharchandi hilltop and ended at Salia Sahi Nagar. Flagging off the rally police commissioner Y B Khurania said, “The rally spreads the message to raise voice against any kind of violence and also to educate women staying in city slums about their right. Women must come forward to help and support women.”

A live demonstration of self-defence techniques was held while an animation film on sexual abuse of children was also screened on the occasion.

“Riding a bike is certainly a symbol of freedom and self-dependence. In accordance with the women’s day theme of this year press for progress each women should come out to help and support other women. Let women around you know that they are not alone and a word of encouragement or a helping hand can do wonders,” said Sangeeta Sahoo, a biker. The rally was conducted by Parichay Foundation a voluntary organisation working for women empowerment.

Modern Art Gallery in the city organised an all women art camp on Women’s day where 44 women artists from across India displayed their works and portrayed women in their various avtars.

In a departure from usual practice, brick kiln operators in the city allowed women workers to go for a day-long social gathering - a break unheard of in the sector on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Thursday.

Odisha Women’s Conclave was organised by Ever Green Forum, a city-based organisation, on the eve of International Women’s Day where rights of working women was discussed. Women and Child development minister Prafulla Samal felicitated women achievers of different fields on the occasion.

Kolab, a show celebrating feminine vitality, beauty and courage was held at Bocca Café here. Some of the most extraordinary thought provoking master pieces to mark the impact that women are making in our society, economy, culture and politics every day, around the world were showcased. Tourism secretary Mona Sharma inaugurated the event.

Charchika, the women leadership forum at Sri Sri University, celebrated International Women’s Day where women leaders from all cross section of society had a panel discussion on ‘Press for Progress’. Dokra Project for women to promote entrepreneurship and empowering them was also launched.

A human chain in six different slums of the city was held to create awareness among the public on promotion of women empowerment, combat domestic violence, gender equality and to stop gender discrimination. The event was organised by Centre for Women and Child Development, a voluntary organisation.

A women entrepreneurship workshop-2018 was organised in Asian School of Business Management (ASBM) on Thursday.