Women’s Day marked by rallies, awareness drives in city

Celebrations marking International Women’s Day took place across the city on Sunday. Rallies, awareness drives, and felicitation programmes highlighted women’s achievements and the need for empowerment.

The district administration organised a major event at the AU Convention Centre. District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad said both the Central and State governments were supporting women through welfare schemes.

He listed programmes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Stree Shakti, and Thalliki Vandanam. Nearly 40 lakh women have benefited from the Thalliki Vandanam scheme, he said. The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme is also creating job opportunities for women.

Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao said the government plans to establish a Special Economic Zone for women. The proposed zone will cover 50 acres at Gidijala in Anandapuram mandal. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has responded positively to the proposal, he added.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao also recalled the initiatives of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao. He said NTR strengthened women’s status by granting them property rights. He also gave them priority in local bodies.

According to him, Mr. Naidu continues the same approach through several welfare programmes. DWACRA groups have gained international recognition, he said. Schemes such as Thalliki Vandanam and Stree Shakti are helping women achieve economic independence.

Visakhapatnam North MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju said the government provides free travel to women under the Stree Shakti scheme. Nearly 50 crore journeys have been recorded so far.

During the event, officials felicitated Karuna Kumari. She represented India in the Women’s T20 World Cup for the visually challenged. Organisers also honoured several women officials and staff members for their contributions.

Meanwhile, many women joined the second edition of the Pink Sakhi Saree Walk on Beach Road. Rohit Memorial Trust organised the event with HCG Cancer Hospital. The walk aimed to spread awareness about cancers affecting women.

Actor and social worker Gautami Tadimalla led the walk. She founded the Life Again Foundation and is also a cancer survivor. She urged women to focus on early detection and timely treatment. She also stressed the importance of maintaining a positive attitude during treatment.