– Over 300 Women from Local villages Participate Championing Gender Equality and Community Empowerment
Kalinganagar : Extending the spirit of International Women’s Day into the week, Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to gender equality and community empowerment by hosting a flagship celebration at the Multi Skill Development Centre, Danagadi on Wednesday. The event served as a high-profile platform to honour the social, economic, and political achievements of women while recognising their transformative contributions to regional development. This year’s celebration saw an enthusiastic gathering of over 300 women from various panchayats in and around Danagadi and Sukinda.
The programme was graced by a distinguished panel of guests, including Prof. Navneeta Rath, Retired Professor, Department of Gender Studies, Utkal University, Archana Das, Chairperson, Danagadi Block, and Bhagyalaxmi Rout, Vice Chairperson, Sukinda Block. Joining them were Kagaji Patra, Sarpanch of Trijanga Panchayat, and Rashmita Sahu, Sarpanch of Nadiabhanga Panchayat, working members of the Rehabilitation & Resettlement colonies, and state-level resource persons. The event facilitated a robust exchange of knowledge, spotlighting best practices from the field and highlighting the success of women-led initiatives and community-driven innovations nurtured under TSF’s development interventions.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the felicitation of 45 women from the region who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in their respective fields, acknowledging their roles as catalysts for change. The atmosphere was further enriched by a series of captivating cultural performances by the participants, which left the audience and dignitaries spellbound, showcasing the immense talent and creative spirit inherent in the local communities.
On the occasion, the dignitaries also awarded winners of various competitions that were organised earlier during a series of panchayat-level programmes. These events spanned 24 panchayats across the Danagadi and Sukinda blocks, including the three Rehabilitation & Resettlement colonies namely Gobarghati, Sansailo, and Trijanga.
These grassroots initiatives provided a platform for women to connect, share experiences, showcase their skills, and engage in meaningful discussions on empowerment and leadership. This year, the initiative saw overwhelming participation from more than 1,450 women within TSF’s peripheral communities, reflecting the region’s growing spirit of engagement and enthusiasm.
