A wide spectrum of programmes ranging from felicitation of women to distribution of mobility assistive equipment to physically-challenged marked the International Women’s Day celebrations across the district on Friday.
At a programme organised by Chetana Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, Khammam MLA P. Ajay Kumar distributed tricycles, wheelchairs, artificial limbs and sewing machines to several physically-challenged women from various parts of the district.
Collector R.V. Karnan felicitated a host of distinguished women from various spheres of life at a programme organised by the Women, Children, Disabled and Senior Citizens Welfare Department at Bhakta Ramadasu Kalakshetram here.
Addressing a huge gathering of women on the occasion, he said women were endowed with multitasking skills and they possess the capabilities to perform their duties more efficiently than men in any field. He lauded the multifarious roles being played by women in nation-building and underlined the need for improving basic amenities for women at workplace.
In Bhadradri-Kothagudem district, members of Adivasi Sanskhema Sangham, Adivasi Konda Reddi Sangham and Naikpod Seva Sangham jointly organised a meeting to mark the celebrations in Bhadrachalam.
The participants paid floral tributes to the portraits of tribal warriors Sammakka-Sarakka and valiant queen of Gondwana kingdom Rani Durgavati on the occasion.
Farmer felicitated
In Karimnagar, the day was celebrated across the district by various organisations with great enthusiasm. Lok Satta Udyama Samstha, Karimnagar district unit, felicitated a progressive woman farmer, Rupureddy Laxmi, a resident of Kondapalkala village in Manakondur mandal, for her innovative agricultural practices that have helped her to do away with farm labourers. Speaking on the occasion, Lok Satta district president N. Srinivas said women have all that it needs to excel in any chosen field, and there is no need of men to interfere in any way.
Special lecture
In Peddapalli, Deepthi Mahila Samithi (DMS), the ladies’ club of NTPC-Ramagundam, celebrated the Women’s Day by distributing gifts to the members of adult education centre run by the club.
In the evening, a special lecture on women’s rights by Balmuri Vanita, advocate, Godavarikhani, was organised.
At a separate programme in Peddapalli district headquarters, District Collector A. Sri Devasena called upon all sections of society to fight against female foeticide in India. He also asked women to accord top priority to sanitation during their menstrual cycle, and informed them that Sabala sanitary napkins, produced by the district administration, were available at an affordable price.
Official celebrations
Meanwhile, Adilabad district saw the official celebration of International Women’s Day in a big way. Many private organisations also celebrated the day across the four districts that constituted the erstwhile Adilabad.
Adilabad Collector D. Divya; Kumram Bheem Asifabad Collector Rajeevgandhi Hanumanthu; Mancherial Collector Bharati Hollikeri; and Nirmal Collector M. Prashanthi participated in the celebrations in their respective districts. Women’s development formed the main subject of discussion during the celebrations at various platforms.
Seminars held
In Nizamabad, rallies, seminars, and felicitation to women social workers and entrepreneurs marked the women’s day celebrations. At Indian Red Cross Society at Khaleelwadi here, the IRCS honoured social workers Jayani Nehru, Padmaja, Swetha, Sunitha Sarada, Poonam Totla, Laxmi, Deepika, Teja and Sumalatha.
“There are many Acts to prevent atrocities against women and protect their rights. In the last ten years, many new laws have been enacted. However, they are not effectively being implemented, resulting in continued atrocities against women,” said N. Ramchander, IRCS Chairman.
Official celebrations were held at the Collectorate in which Collector M. Ram Mohan Rao took part.
