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WTC Bhubaneswar Observes International Women's Day

Mar 08, 2022

A steady growing tribe of Women Entrepreneurs have been marking their identity across industries and domains. Women have started to hold the reins everywhere as we all wish to live in a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world which is diverse, equitable and progressive. International Women’s Day is thus earmarked & observed for celebrating the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women.

World Trade Center Bhubaneswar celebrated Womanhood in Entrepreneurship as it observed the "International Women's Day 2022 on 8th March, 2022 under the theme "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow". The event was successfully conducted in association with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, The Book Turf Pvt Ltd and The DN Wisdom Tree Global School at the premises of Utkal Kanika Galleria Mall.

Mrs. Itirani Samanta, Eminent Writer and Editor, Kadambini & Kunikatha joined as the Chief Guest to the program. In her address, she shared the journey of herself as a woman who rigorously worked to reach the heights of success and promoted the sense of self-worth and the right to influence to social change.

Hon’ble MLA Mrs. Latika Pradhan, Kabisurya Nagar graced the occasion as a Special Guest. In her address, she spoke vividly about the effective role of Self Help Groups and their pivotal role in socio-economic development of the state. She urged the need to boost self-esteem, work with honesty, lead by example and be educated to prepare for the bigger challenges in life.

Dr. Rina Routray, Chairperson, Mahila Atmanirbhar Abhiyan, in her address expressed her views about Women Empowerment and encouraged women to put forth their ideas, work on their dreams and explore the vast opportunities available. She also emphasized on how women need to evaluate their abilities and channelize their potentials to achieve success and prosperity.

Mrs. Nitisha Mann, IES, Deputy Director, MSME-DI Cuttack in her address spoke about the grassroot level efforts undertaken by the centre to promote Self Help Groups. She highlighted on the emphasis given to upgrade the successful SHG members into micro entrepreneurs. She also highlighted the ongoing need for appropriate mentorship and urged to support Women run businesses.

Mrs. Purnima Baid, Director, Utkal Kanika Galleria Mall, Bhubaneswar delivered on how women upliftment instils us with greater trust in leadership, defined boundaries and leads to immense creativity. She further invigorated women to gather in order to share ideas, hopes and challenges effectively to break the barrier and follow their passion.

Earlier in the program, Mrs. Jyoshna Das welcomed all the dignitaries and spoke about the role of WTC Women Forum which has been steadily working in providing an effective platform and handholding support to the women in entrepreneurship.

Five number of Women Entrepreneurs/SHGs were presented ‘Siddhi Award’ as a token of appreciation for their remarkable achievement in respective fields defying all odds. The five awardees were Guhaldehi Sabai Group, Maa Durga Mohanpur Group, Mrs. R Lata Behera, Bahucharamata TG Group and Gruhalaxmi Mahila Samiti. The awardees were given an opportunity to represent themselves and share their journey till date which helped then break the bias and prove themselves as empowered and successful women of the society.

Further, the honourable guests were felicitated by the members of WTC Women Forum followed by an experience sharing session.

In order to encourage and enlighten the women entrepreneurs who are engaged in manufacturing and services regarding the benefits under MSME Schemes and the procedures involved, an ‘Udyam Registration Camp’ was facilitated by the MSME-DI Cuttack.

The program also witnessed fun and interactive activities throughout the event by our member cum activity partner, The Book Turf.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar proposed the vote of thanks.