IWD Celebration in Raigad District

300 women gathered at Amardeep, Mangaon in Raigad on March 8, 2026 to celebrate an Health Promotion Trust (HPT)-sponsored event on International Women’s Day. Mrs Rutuja Salunke, Gram Sevak of Palaswadi, Mangaon was the Chief Guest. HPT’s partner centre, Raigad Janhit Manch, also participated.

The meaningful and enjoyable cultural programme featured dances and skits reflecting the challenges tribal women encounter in their daily lives. The dance performers from:

• Paned Centre, Wadi portrayed highlights of Indian Adivasi culture;

• Kolkhe Centre spotlighted women's strengths in every dimension of life;

• Roha and Mangaon wadi girls showed the impact of environmental problems;

• Mangaon, Palaswadi shed light on the negative effects of early marriage;

• Alibag highlighted farming issues and life in an Adivasi village.

The girls from the Mangaon boarding school performed a skit on environment and pollution, and the women of Karjat Centre sang a poem about Savitribai Phule.

In her speech, Mrs Salunke emphasised the importance of women's participation in all walks of life, which can only be achieved through universal education that should transcend caste, creed and religion. She stressed that every woman must persevere in educating herself for the sake of the future generation.

Ms Diana Fernandes, the keynote speaker, called on the women to take responsibility for their health, especially because of their exhausting multiple roles in the home and workplace. She conducted several games that sparked reflection on this topic.

Sr Asunta Patil thanked all guests, performers, and organisers for attending this event that honoured women's strengths, their dedication and powerful contributions to family and society.

Diana Fernandes

THE EXAMINER • MAR 21 - 27, 2026 • 29