A Shared Pledge: People’s commitment to gender equality and justice for 2026
Bhubaneswar (By Abhishek Mohanty): On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, a high-impact community awareness initiative was held in Panchupalli, Jatani Block, Khordha district to champion the global theme, "Right. Justice. Action for All Women/Girls."
The event was organized by SAHAYOG, a Bhubaneswar-based state-level social organization, in partnership with New Delhi’s Vishwa Yuvak Kendra (VYK).
The gathering drew over two hundred active participants, including members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), ASHA and Anganwadi workers, PRI members, teachers, and students, all united by the goal of advancing gender equity in the Khordha district.
Presiding over the program, Bijayalaxmi Rautaray, Secretary of SAHAYOG, welcomed the distinguished guests and shared insights into the nationwide campaign launched by VYK and its partners.
Highlighting the sobering reality of the 2026 Gender Gap Report, which ranks the nation at 131st, Rautray emphasized that the country cannot wait another century to close the gap. She urged families to "empower girls at home first" to prevent further decline in rankings.
As a registered society deeply involved in maternal health, education, and gender equality, SAHAYOG kicked off this mission on March 6 with a week-long series of student competitions designed to foster a shift in mindset among the younger generation.
The program featured powerful addresses from local leaders and activists.
Headmaster of Brahmakundal High School Manoj Kumar Rath served as the chief speaker, thanking SAHAYOG and VYK for bringing such a vital program to Panchupalli.
He remarked that a society cannot progress "on one leg" and called for the community to act as a safety net that protects the rights of women, allowing them to bloom to their full potential.
Social activist Bikram Swain further noted that while educational attainment is rising, women remain "invisible" in the workforce and health sectors, stressing that they must be empowered to be decisive leaders in all aspects of life.
In a landmark commitment, the Sarpanch of Panchupalli GP Banaja Jena declared her office’s dedication to making the Gram Panchayat a gender-violence-free zone. She pledged to ensure that no child marriages occur and that every girl completes her education to achieve true economic independence.
Following these remarks, students were recognized as "torchbearers of empowerment" during an award ceremony where they received trophies and certificates for their participation in gender equality competitions.
The event concluded with a solemn collective pledge. Participants vowed to end sex-selective abortion, promote women’s careers, and eradicate the culture of victim-blaming, which was identified as a primary barrier to progress.
The program ended with a vote of thanks from Janmejaya Swain of SAHAYOG, who expressed gratitude to the teachers of Brahmakundal High School and the local administration for making the initiative a resounding success in the pursuit of a gender-neutral society.
