International Women's Day celebrated at ICAR-CIWA

ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA) celebrated "International Women's Day" on 8th March, 2016. The theme of ICAR-CIWA for the day was " Agri-entrepreneurship for empowerment of women". On this occasion Dr (Mrs) Charmaine Smith, International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya was the Chief Guest and Dr Jimmy Smith, Director General, International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya was the guest of Honour. The programme was attended by farm women from Pitapalli and Maidharpada villages,Women group of Kalinga Vihar, Bhubaneswar, successful women entrepreneurs, and the scientific, technical and administrative staff members of ICAR-CIWA and ICAR-CARI (RS). Dr L.P. Sahoo, Scientist, ICAR-CIWA welcomed the guests. Dr (Mrs) Jatinder Kishtwaria, Director, ICAR-CIWA in her address highlighted about the importance and urgency of providing equal platform to women so that, they are able to come into the mainstream and provide much needed fillip to the agricultural development in the country. She also highlighted that, only empowered women in the domain of agriculture is key to food security, household nutritional security, climatic resilience and overall prosperity of the rural areas

The theme identified by the UN for celebrating International Women's Day in 2016 is 'Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality'. It asks all governments to make and follow through with national commitments in order to address the challenges that are holding women and girls back from reaching their full potential. The occasion was celebrated at ICAR-CIWA by organizing a programme focusing on Agri-entrepreneurship for empowerment of women, under the overall theme of 'Gender Equality'. Two scientific talks were delivered on the occasion by eminent speakers. In the first talk, Dr B.N. Sadangi, Principal Scientist (ICAR-NRRI) highlighted the importance of promoting entrepreneurship among farm women for increasing their income and improving their livelihood which creates a chain of events leading to their empowerment- in economic and social terms. The second speaker, Dr Amar KJR Nayak, Proffessor, Xavier Institute of Management emphasized on the relevance of empowering women for sustainability.

On the occasion, a successful women entrepreneur Mrs. Jayanti Sahoo shared her experiences in establishing roof top garden which benefitted her not only financially but also gave her strength and courage to speak before gathering of learned persons. An ordinary women rising from the confines of household and establishing her identity on her own gives strength to the fellow women. She was felicitated by the Chief guest Dr (Mrs) Charmaine Smith and Director ICAR-CIWA for her achievements and inspiring other women. Dr Alok jha, International Livestock Research Institute, Once Senior Scientist at ICAR-CIWA recited the long journey of ICAR- CIWA from a National Research Centre to a full-fledged institute and appreciated the level of leadership the institute is providing in research on ender and agriculture. Dr Jimmy Smith, DG, ILRI, the guest of honour of the programme gave an analytical remark on women’s role in livestock care and management. He gave a message on nurturing girl child and women for saving our future. Chief guest Dr (Mrs) Charmaine Smith In her address enlightened the house on the emotional and psychological strength of women and the pleasure of being a woman. She also gave an account of the challenges ahead of women globally and hoped that this type of attempts will be helpful in giving women equality. She also expressed her pleasure for being a part of the celebration. Dr Tanuja, S., Scientist, ICAR-CIWA presented the vote of thanks.