Women’s equality and empowerment is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but it is also an integral part of all the dimensions of inclusive and sustainable development. Gram Nirman programme in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh has aligned its objective with SDG to recognize the most marginalized sections and promote their participation and contribution in the decision-making process at various platforms for their empowerment.

Gram Nirman has observed International Women’s Day at  Sonajori Village of Panchayat Kamrai of Raigarh District on 23rd March 2019 to recognize their efforts and bring gender equality in the society. The event witness soaring participation of 130 women along with 20 men from the village.

The event was chaired by the Director of Raigarh Diocesan Social Development Centre, Fr. Manoj Toppo in the presence of local police station representative, Raimer panchayat president, and other community leaders.

Fr. Manoj Toppo inaugurated the programme and encouraged people to play a proactive role towards community development, society building, political awareness and economic upliftment especially towards women rights. He elaborated the need and importance of the women’s day celebration.

“Every woman should know their rights because it is obtained after a long struggle”, shared Fr. Manoj. He explained the Right to vote, Right to Job, right to freedom of life, right to study and life without violence and discrimination, etc. He emphasized that women need to understand their role in society for their protection and development by ensuring their participation in the decision-making process of the village as well as panchayats. Therefore, they were encouraged to give their active participation in Gram Sabha.

Mary Suman Toppo, Former deanery women association president expressed her views on International women’s day and encouraged women to stand against the prevalent social evils like alcoholism, domestic violence, etc.

Ashrita Tirkey, a community mobiliser of Bihan pariyojna from kamrai Panchayat also addressed women and elaborated the need of women institutions to make a big difference in the community for the development and ensuring entitlements.