On the occasion of the week preceding the celebrations of International Women’s Day scheduled on 08th March, 2022, the Office of DSW initiated a weeklong celebrations of Women’s day from 02.03.2022 to 08.03.2022 by conducting a series of programmes on the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” by inviting bureaucrats and National Level Awardees of highest honour and women achievers of the country to participate in the programmes planned.

On this occasion the DSW Office in collaboration with the Centre for Women’s Studies has organized an Inaugural programme on Tuesday, 02nd March, 2022 from 03.00 pm to 05.00 p.m. by inviting Ms. Divya Devarajan, IAS, Secretary & Commissioner – Women, Child, Disabled & Senior Citizens, Telangana as chief guest, Ms. B. Sangkhumi, Padmashri Awardee (2021), President MHIP; former Director, Technical & Higher Education, Government of Mizoram; former member and Chairperson, Mizoram Public Service commission was the invited speaker and Prof. Alladi Uma, Retd. Professor, Department of English, University of Hyderabad was the Guest of Honour of the Programer. Prof. K. Suneetha Rani, Head, Centre for women’s Studies presided the programme. Dean, Students’ Welfare, Prof. G. Nagaraju and Deputy, Dean, Students’ Welfare, Dr.G.Padmaja coordinated the entire week long programme.

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. B.J. Rao, Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad. In his inaugural talk he informed that women are the sources of power for every individual. Every mother, he said is the source of power and every woman deserves to be respected.

Dr. G. Padmaja, Deputy, DSW introduced the Chief Guest. Ms. Divya Devarajan, IAS in her speech portrayed her own journey and her mother’s strength in attaining success. She pointed out how the bias can be broken and achievements can be made possible. Bias in profession, bias at workplace and any bias can be overcome by reaching out to the people with compassion and empathy.

She said the workplace is a bouquet of flowers with diversity, inclusion and each individual has a specialty and is unique.

Ms. B. Sangkhumi, Padmashri Awardee (2021), shared her experience on inspiration for younger generation. She said with proper effort, perseverance and hard work nothing is impossible for a woman. She shared with the audience her journey through her achievements. She narrated how she could overcome the obstacles and transcend the hurdles with courage and determination.

If a woman puts in hard work with sincerity, over a period of time, anything will be possible. All achievements can happen in due course of time.

Retd. Prof. Alladi Uma, who was an erstwhile Professor in the Department of English, University of Hyderabad emphasized on breaking the silence. Silence can be a choice and can be powerful tool. But it needs to be shattered and women should speak. We have our own identity to celebrate and men have to walk along with women. While thinking for others is indeed talked about, thinking about self enhances selfesteem.

Prof. G. Nagaraju, Dean, Students’ Welfare highlighted the series of programmes which are going to be conducted for a week.

Dr. G. Padmaja, Deputy, DSW proposed vote of thanks.