Report on International Women’s Day Celebrations

March 14, 2025

International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on March 8, which recognizes women’s achievements and promotes gender equality. To honor this tradition of celebrating womanhood, the department of Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) organized various programs, awareness sessions, outreach programs, and activities.

Awareness Session for ASHA workers

An awareness session on “Identifying Danger Signs during Pregnancy” for ASHA workers from Udupi and Manipal was held on March 4, 2025, from 2:30 pm to 3 pm, which was deliberated by Dr. Sonia R. B. D'Souza, Professor and Head of the Department of OBG Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal. The gist of the talk was to create awareness among the ASHA workers to make them aware of the danger signs, identification methods, proper referral, and how they could prevent some of the conditions that are preventable or those that may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes if not identified early. The ASHA workers were thankful for the session and also discussed their doubts. The participants assured that this knowledge and awareness regarding the identification of danger signs would help them in their daily routine work of antenatal registration and referral.

Awareness sessions for women

On March 8, 2025, an outreach program was organized in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Shankarpura, JCI Shankarpura, and the Gram Panchayat of Innanje for the community women beneficiaries. The program focused on empowering women through awareness sessions and engaging in discussions. Dr. Maria Pais, Assistant Professor, OBG Nursing department, delivered an inspiring session on women’s empowerment, highlighting the crucial role of education in attaining gender equality, the significance of economic independence, and the necessity for financial literacy. She emphasized that motivating women to pursue leadership positions across different sectors is very essential quoting examples of successful women who have positively impacted society. The second talk was deliberated by Mrs. Shobha, Lecturer, OBG Nursing department conducted an engaging session on women’s health, and early identification of breast and cervical cancer, by identifying early signs, understanding risk factors, and using preventive strategies. She emphasized the significance of regular screening, breast self-examinations, and overall lifestyle modifications that can help lower cancer risks and other NCDs. Feedback was taken at the end of the program, revealing that participants greatly valued the informative and motivational sessions. Many attendees expressed a need for more frequent sessions covering topics such as women's rights, and health. The event significantly enhanced confidence and awareness among women, inspiring them to take positive steps towards their well-being. A total of 36 participants attended the program. At the end of the session, games were organized for the participants and prizes were distributed to the winners.

Sessions for Adolescent School Children

On March 10, 2025, from 2:30 to 4:00 pm, an outreach program was conducted at St. Mary’s High School, Udupi, the beneficiaries being the adolescent girls from high school. An awareness session on ‘Adolescent Health’ was taken by Dr. Maria Pais, Assistant Professor, MCON, MAHE, Manipal. Following this session, Mrs. Ranjani P, Assistant Professor, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, conducted a program on the benefits of Yoga practice. A total of 35 participants attended the program and found it highly beneficial. The initiative was well received with good feedback from the participants, and Mrs. Joyce D’Souza, headmistress expressed her gratitude to the organizers and the resource persons from Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, for organizing such a valuable session for their students.

The programs and the activities conducted as part of the International Women’s Day Celebrations by the Department of OBG Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, for the various beneficiaries, were aligned with and contributed to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - 3, 4, 5, 10, and 17 respectively, which address fostering good health and wellbeing, quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and partnership for the goals.