Women’s Day represents so much more than just speeches or celebrations; this year, in the vibrant villages of Lalband and Balibasa, women joyfully came together, united in their cooking, and proudly celebrated their strength in a way that inspires and uplifts everyone around them.
The day began with Swarna Hembram confidently hosting the event. Anitha Mandi warmly welcomed everyone, setting a positive tone for the day. A teacher from Balibasa School shared the importance of Women’s Day, highlighting the valuable contributions of women. Bipasha Barua, our inspiring guest, encouraged women to embrace their talents and pursue their dreams with enthusiasm.
One of the most special moments of the day was the felicitation ceremony. Twelve women, who had successfully completed their stitching training, were honored by the guests. The pride on their faces was unmistakable—this was their achievement, their hard work, and their step forward toward something bigger.
The event was further enriched by the insights shared by Bipasha Barua, the invited resource person. She spoke on the importance of self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship, encouraging the women to embrace skill development opportunities and explore avenues for financial independence. Her address was both motivational and practical, offering valuable perspectives on personal and economic growth.
A key highlight of the day was the felicitation ceremony, during which twelve women who had successfully completed their stitching training were recognized for their dedication and perseverance. Each honoree received a token of appreciation from the guests, symbolizing not only individual achievement but also the collective progress of the community.
A particularly notable aspect of the event was the collaborative cooking effort undertaken by the women. Initially met with some skepticism, this initiative evolved into one of the most meaningful moments of the day. The women prepared the meal together and constructed their own stoves, reinforcing the values of teamwork, self-reliance, and shared responsibility. Their enthusiasm and enjoyment in this process underscored the deeper significance of Women’s Day’s strength through unity.
Following the meal, Bipasha Barua conducted an interactive session on digital marketing, introducing the women to the possibilities of leveraging online platforms to promote and sell their products. The session was met with keen interest, as it provided practical knowledge on expanding market reach and enhancing entrepreneurial prospects.
The celebration also featured cultural performances, including traditional songs, dances, and skits that highlighted the rich heritage of the community. Unlike conventional events with elaborate decorations or designated stalls, the essence of this gathering lay in its authenticity and the deep camaraderie shared among the participants.
As the event concluded, a formal vote of thanks was extended to all individuals who contributed to its success. The Women’s Day celebration at Balibasa was not merely an occasion for recognition but a reaffirmation of the progress made by these women in their journey toward empowerment. The event underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives and demonstrated that true transformation is achieved through collective effort, shared learning, and unwavering determination.
Although the event was supposed to start by 11 a.m., it only started after 1 which actually frustrated me. Two other teachers who were actually guests were not able to attend the program as they had to go back before the program even commenced. The women actually understood my frustration with what was happening around me, and a few of the women who attended training started feeling bad for me. Interestingly, after the meal we were planning a one-hour break before commencing the resource person’s session but all the women together were ready to start the session soon after lunch.
This celebration stands as a testament to the resilience and potential of the women of Lalband and Balibasa, setting a foundation for continued growth and future opportunities. The most exciting thing for me is that the event planned for 50 women had a strength of around 100 people attending the event making it a huge success and happiness
After the program finished, I fell sick for a few days and my women thought that I was angry with them for being late and that is the reason am not showing up. They started calling me, every day. Then when i went after one week I was given a surprise treat with handmade puchkas. I was happy to know how much they loved and care about me.
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