More than 450 participants from 10 SAFBIN target villages gathered on March 8, 2025, in Ahmadpur, Madhya Pradesh, to celebrate International Women’s Day under the SAFBIN India program. Organized by Caritas India in collaboration with MPSSS Bhopal, the event highlighted how community ownership accelerates gender equality and empowers local people to drive sustainable change.

The event was graced by Mrs. Sampatiya Uikey, Madhya Pradesh’s Cabinet Minister for Public Health Engineering, along with Gram Panchayat representatives, including Mrs. Jamuna Pandro, Block Panchayat member; Mr. Naresh Marko, Sarpanch of Silpura; Mrs. Susheela Parte, Sarpanch of Salhedanda; Mr. Chhatrapal Saroute, Sarpanch of Ghagha; and Mr. Mahendra Saroute, Sarpanch of Ahmadpur. The director and staff of MPSSS were also present. Minister Uikey praised the economic and social contributions of women and announced new infrastructure projects to boost livelihood opportunities and secure land rights for marginalized families. 163 housing plot leases were distributed—119 in Ahmadpur and 44 in Surajpura—supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening community resilience.

The celebration was unique for its community-led approach. Smallholder women farmers led the event’s organization, while youth from SAFBIN villages managed logistics, reinforcing community participation and shared responsibility. As a symbol of respect, mothers aged 80 and above were honoured with shawls and coconuts, recognizing their life experiences and contributions.

A rally led by women through the streets of Ahmadpur called attention to women’s rights, social entitlements, and the dangers of substance abuse. Through slogans, posters, and songs, participants raised awareness about the negative impacts of alcohol, tobacco, and drug addiction on families and society. This public demonstration amplified the message of community well-being and gender equality.

Traditional performances enriched the celebration, featuring folk dances such as Karma, Shaila, Dadriya, and Qawwali, along with folk dramas. Minister Uikey applauded the performers’ efforts and presented incentives as a token of appreciation.

During her speech, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering women through schemes like Ladli Laxmi Yojana, Ladli Behna Yojana, Matrutva Vandana Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. She highlighted the importance of education for girls, stressing that an educated daughter benefits both parental and marital families. She encouraged the community to embrace the message of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ for a more equitable future.

In addition to social empowerment, the Minister announced significant infrastructure developments for Gram Panchayat Ahmadpur, including paved CC roads, theatres, drains, bridges, a community building, and a sanitation pond. Plans were also unveiled to establish small-scale industries providing livelihood training in pickle making, papad making, milk production, and poultry farming, enabling women to achieve economic independence.

As Mr. Sukhlal Barmaiya, a senior social worker, noted, the event was a “powerful testament to the strength of community-led action”—an example of how Caritas India’s SAFBIN program places decision-making in the hands of local communities to accelerate gender equality and drive lasting social change.

The success of the event showcased the synergy between Caritas India, MPSSS, local governance, and community members, inspiring future initiatives that prioritize community leadership and sustainable development.