STATEis marking International Women’s Day with a series of initiatives aimed at empowering women in rural areas and promoting women’s health. Organisations and Government bodies are collaborating to address the unique challenges faced by women in the state, particularly those in rural communities. ASRE and Gramya Champion Rural Women’s Empowerment: The Association for Sustainable Rural Empowerment (ASRE), in collaboration with Gramya, is reaffirming its commitment to empowering women in rural India, with a specific focus on State. Dr Pankaj Shukla, President of ASRE and Chairman and Managing Director of Gramya, highlighted the critical role of women in rural development. “Women are the true agents of change in rural India,” he stated. “By empowering them, we are creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.” Rural women in State face significant challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Notably, only 13.9 % of rural women have land ownership rights, hindering their financial independence. Gramya is addressing these disparities through initiatives promoting economic empowerment, improved healthcare access, and expanded educational opportunities. Gramya is launching new initiatives focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial independence for rural women, including digital literacy programs and a network of women entrepreneurs.

 

The organisation aims to support over 10,000 women across the State by the end of 2025. Dr Shukla emphasised the importance of digital literacy, combating violence against women, and creating policies that break down barriers to women’s participation in the economy and leadership roles. State Government Focuses on Women’s Health Awareness: The Department of Public Health and Medical Education is organising special programmes to promote women’s health awareness. Director (IEC) and State Nodal Officer, Dr Rachna Dubey, announced a ‘Walk for Health, Walk for Awareness Walkathon’ on March 8, starting at 7 am from Atal Path (Smart City) near Platinum Plaza, Bhopal. This event will provide women with information on gynaecology, infertility, and cancer prevention. On March 9, the State’s first national conference on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) will be held at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Center (Minto Hall), Bhopal.

 

The conference will bring together national-level experts, including gynaecologists, diabetes specialists, dermatologists, fitness experts, nutritionists, and mental health professionals, to share the latest techniques and research on PCOS prevention and treatment. Dr Dubey also highlighted the development of ‘Shakti Sampoorna Mahila Swasthya Kendra,’ a state-of-the-art center for preventive gynaecology, oncology, and infertility at Kailash Nath Katju Civil Hospital, Bhopal. This center will provide comprehensive gynaecological services. Power Distribution Training Center Celebrates Women’s Day:

 

The Power Distribution Training Center (PDTC) in Bhopal organised an awareness program for women officers and employees of Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The programme included presentations on women’s health by Dr Smita Bhatnagar, communication skills by Deputy General Manager (HR) Neetu Singh, and discussions on women’s rights at the workplace by Deputy General Manager (HR) Nisha Kumar. The event, guided by Director PDTC Anil Khatri, saw the participation of Chief General Manager (Commercial) Swati Singh, Deputy Chief General Manager (Work and Planning) G P Saxena, Joint Director Finance Richa Sharma, Deputy General Manager (IT) Supreet Saluja, Deputy General Manager Alka Namdev, and numerous other female officers and employees. These diverse events across Bhopal underscore the commitment to women’s empowerment and well-being, reflecting the spirit of International Women’s Day 2025.