SAHAYOG and VYK Spark Community sensitization on gender justice with week-long campaign
Bhubaneswar (By Abhishek Mohanty): In a powerful demonstration of youth-led advocacy, the voluntary organization SAHAYOG and Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi, successfully concluded their week-long campaign for gender justice on the eve of International Women’s Day.
The initiative, themed "Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls," culminated in a spirited closing ceremony and awareness rally held in collaboration with Bauri Bandhu Degree Mahavidyalaya, Chhatabar in Jatani of Khordha district.
The event served as a clarion call for rural empowerment, emphasizing that the progress of Odisha is inextricably linked to the health, education, and social standing of its female citizens.
The day began with an energetic awareness rally flagged off from the college campus, where students marched with placards and posters to sensitize the local community. Chanting slogans such as "Sikhita Jhia, Unnata Odisha" (Educated Daughter, Progressing Odisha), the youth advocated for a "give to gain" philosophy, asserting that empowered girls are the foundation of a developed state.
Following the march, a formal assembly was presided over by the Principal of BB Mahavidyalaya, featuring keynote addresses from distinguished leaders.
Secretary of SAHAYOG Bijayalaxmi Rautaray reminded the graduate students that investing in a woman’s well-being provides a future for the entire community, while noted social activist Bikram Swain challenged the youth to foster a culture of mutual respect as the true definition of equality.
The session further highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of empowerment through insights from the Chief Guest, Sonali Ojha, Branch Manager of Punjab National Bank, Chhatabar, and the Chief Speaker, Solami Sahu, Secretary of DLSA, Khordha.
Both leaders were felicitated with traditional uttariyas and citations for their roles as icons of female leadership.
Additionally, lecturer Trupti Pattnaik addressed the students on the vital role of self-confidence, noting that it is the primary tool for women to reach the "zenith" of their potential. Beyond gender rights, SAHAYOG reaffirmed its long-term commitment to public health advocacy, specifically highlighting maternal care and TB treatment as essential pillars of social justice.
The celebration concluded with an award ceremony where winners of the poster and slogan competitions were honored with certificates and trophies for their creative contributions to the movement.
After a heartfelt vote of thanks from a student representative, the event closed with the National Anthem, marking a successful end to a week of activism.
By bridging the gap between academic discussion and community action, the campaign left a lasting impression on the next generation of leaders, reinforcing the collective responsibility to ensure justice and action for every woman and girl in the region.
