Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 8: St Ann’s College of Education (Autonomous) celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, highlighting the theme 'Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world'.

The aim was to inculcate in students, a deep quest for gender parity, and equal opportunities in society. Being a woman, one needs to challenge the existing notions, biases, and prejudices to excel in personal and professional life.

The programme started with a meaningful prayer service. Students highlighted the leadership role of women through various cultural programmes. The tableau highlighted the role of different women achievers namely Swati Rathore, K K Shailaja teacher, Sudha Krishnamurthy, Soumya Swaminathan, and Divya Gokulnath. These women achievers contributed to society through their various services during the pandemic situation of COVID-19. The mime show delivered a strong message for women to be financially independent to support herself, and her family members. The dance drama gave glimpses of the struggles of Rabeca Lolosoli, a strong woman from Kenya, who built Umoja refuge village for the exploited, and ill-treated women.

The chief guest of the day was Dr Malini N Hebbar, former HOD and associate professor of English at St Agnes Centre for PG Studies & Research, Mangaluru. The speaker stressed the discriminations against women and the need for changing social patterns to empower women through education. She emphasized the theme 'choose to challenge'. She encouraged women to take up the challenge to challenge the traditional notions about them for justice and equality of opportunities.

The programme was presided over by Sr Zeena AC, principal of St Ann’s College of Education welcomed the gathering and the chief guest. Nisha C K, assistant professor, coordinated the programme. Priyanka, and Anusha R, student teachers compered the programme. Prinkle Fernandez explained the significance of the day, and Ophelia D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.