In celebration of International Women’s Day, a vibrant cultural program themed ‘Women’s Leadership – the Pathway to Sustainable Development’ was organized by the Social Centre, at the Bacher Eco-Training Centre, Hivre Korda, on March 11, 2026.
450 women leaders, representing Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Watershed Committees, Anganwadis, and Gram Panchayats of various project villages in Parner, Shrigonda and Pathardi blocks participated enthusiastically. The program reflected the growing strength of women’s collective leadership in rural communities.
The guests were welcomed with a lively Lazim folk dance, symbolizing the strength, unity and cultural pride of rural women. This was followed by a beautiful prayer song, invoking God’s blessings. The participants then gathered for the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and spreading of knowledge, wisdom and hope.
In his inspiring introductory message, Fr. Siju Varghese, Secretary – Social Centre, emphasized the importance of respecting and empowering women and highlighted the key role women play in building strong families and resilient communities.
The energetic folk dances, cultural presentations and inspiring testimonies of the SHG women from Bhosarmal, Parner, Borwadi, Shikrichi Thakarwadi and Wavarath villages reflected the spirit of Mahila Shakti (Women’s Power). Several women shared their personal stories of transformation and how SHG participation strengthened their confidence, financial stability and social recognition within their villages. They also emphasized the importance of discipline in financial savings, skills training, entrepreneurship and community solidarity.
The Chief Guest, Sr. Hira Parkhe HC, from Amravati, encouraged the women to continue their journey of empowerment and sustainable rural development. She urged them to stand united, to raise their voices against injustice and to participate actively in community development initiatives. She reminded them of the importance of recognizing their unique identity, talents and interests and exhorted them to nurture these for personal and community growth.
The program celebrated the transformative journey of the women, marked by courage, discipline, unity and vision. The International Women’s Day celebrations reinforced the women’s collective commitment and concluded with a powerful message: “When women unite, families prosper and communities thrive.”
