Women's Day 2020: International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8. (Representational)
It's International Women's Day today and leaders across the country and the globe are calling for a gender-equal world as they celebrate women achievers in different fields.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning tweeted greetings on Women's Day and wrote: " We salute the spirit and accomplishments of our Nari Shakti."
He also gave up his social media accounts for the day to seven women achievers to share their life journeys.
Earlier this week, PM Modi had said that he would give up his social media accounts to "to women whose life, work inspire us". A tweet from him read: "This Women's Day, I will give away my social media accounts to women whose life & work inspire us. This will help them ignite motivation in millions. Are you such a woman or do you know such inspiring women? Share such stories using #SheInspiresUs".
The post on Tuesday came after a surprise tweet on Monday. "This Sunday, thinking of giving up my social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube. Will keep you all posted," he had written, creating buzz on social media.
Here are the Highlights on International Women's Day:
International Women's Day: PM Modi Interacts With Nari Shakti Puraskar AwardeesPrime Minister Narendra Modi, while interracting with the 'Nari Shakti Puraskar' awardees said, "When you started your work, you must have done it as a mission or to do something valuable in life or would have just gone with the flow. It must have not been for reward but today you've become inspiration for others".
International Women's Day: Odisha Chief Minister Announces Creation Of Exclusive Women's Department
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced the creation of a 'Mission Shakti' department, exclusively for the development of the women.
"I would like to announce that Odisha will be the first state to have an exclusive department for the self-help groups. This will be called the Department of Mission Shakti and will be dedicated to all the women of Odisha," he said.
He was addressing an event on the occasion of International Women's Day in Bhubaneswar. Mr Patnaik expressed his happiness over Odisha leading the country in empowerment of women.
International Women's Day: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Unveils Nutrition Programme For Women
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat today inaugurated the "Poshan Pakhwada 2020" organised by the Department of Women's Empowerment and Child Development on the occasion of the International Women's Day.
This is the second anniversary of the nutrition campaign in the state. The chief minister while extending his greetings on the occasion of International Women's Day said dieticians should be arranged across the state to protect women from malnutrition.
During the programme, he also released short films based on the prevention of anaemia in Garhwali and Hindi language.
International Women's Day: 105-Year-Old Kerala Woman Receives Nari Shakti Award
Bhageerathi Amma, 105, and Karthyayini Amma, 98, have passed the Class IV literacy equivalent examinations.
At 105 years, Bhageerathi Amma is the oldest literacy equivalent learner under Kerala State Literacy Mission. She had to quit education to take care of her siblings when she was younger.
International Women's Day: "Always Dreamt Of Reviving Traditional Crafts Of Kashmir": Tweets 5th Woman Achiever
Kashmiri woman Arifa Jan, who has spun a success story of her own through revival of the Kashmir Valley's Numdah handicraft, today tweeted on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Twitter handle to emphasise that women should focus on becoming self-reliant and also help other women.
She was awarded along with 15 other women by President Ram Nath Kovind.
In a series of tweets, Ms Jan said: "When tradition meets modernity, wonders can happen. I experienced this in my work. It is designed to suit the modern-day market. My first business activity was participating in an exhibition of handmade items in New Delhi. This exhibit attracted a good clientele and a turnover."
"I always dreamt of reviving the traditional crafts of Kashmir because this is a means to empower local women. I saw the condition of women artisans and so I began working to revise Numdah craft."
"I am Arifa from Kashmir and here is my life journey."
She is the founder of Numdhah Handicrafts and has trained more than 100 women in Kashmir. She has employed 25 Kashmiri artisans and increased wages of her employees from Rs 175 to Rs 450 per day.
International Women's Day: UP Woman Shares Her Story Of Eradicating Open Defecation
Kalavati from Uttar Pradesh shared how she collected funds to stop open defecation, encourage cleanliness in her neighbourhood.
Kalavati wanted to do something for her locality and Shramik Bharti was looking for committed people like her who wanted to bring about change from within. It was her husband who took his wife to the NGO to talk about her plans - she had made up her mind to find out how a public toilet could be constructed in the nearby slum.
There were many challenges that came in the way. "Neither did anyone want to donate land to build the facility nor was the community willing to chip monetarily or contribute their labour at the time of construction. There were also several questions raised on the need for a toilet, the procurement of funds and the 'real' intentions of the NGO. Basically, people did not really feel that they were living poorly or that they needed to change for the better," Kalavati said.
She went door-to-door speaking to families and even conducted joint meeting with the community to convince them to back her plan. In the end, her passion and infectious enthusiasm got to everyone and they came on board.
International Women's Day: 3rd Woman Achiever Tweets From PM's Account On His Assistance For The Development Of Gormati ArtVijaya Pawar thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help promote
gormati art. She thanked PM Modi for not only encouraging the art but also providing financial help for the development of the art.
She tweeted in Hindi which roughly translates, "To promote Gormati art, Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only encouraged us but also helped us financially. It is a matter of pride for us. I am fully dedicated to the preservation of this art and feel proud on the occasion of Women's Day."
International Women's Day: "Nothing Will Happen By Bowing Your Head": Tweets Delhi Women Panel ChiefDelhi Women's Commission Chairperson Swati Maliwal today tweeted on the occasion of International Womens' Day, emphasising on a fighting spirit to take what is one's right.
She tweeted in Hindi which roughly translates, "Life is not given in charity, one has to step forward to snatch it, it would be nice if you can snatch your rights from a hard-hearted society. Nothing will happen by bowing your head, things will change if you hold your head high".
International Women's Day: 2 Km Run Organised In Andhra Pradesh On Women's Day
A two kilometre run was held with the name "Run for Women" in Andhra Pradesh on International Women's Day. Women police officers, police staff, Mahila Mitra workers, government employees of various departments took part in the event.
District Superintendents of police (SP) Raveendra Babu flagged off the event.
While speaking on the occasion, SP said: "Open house program is being conducted for Mahila Mitra members, female police staff and other NGOs. We are conducting this program for women safety and security."
International Women's Day: Indian Air Force's First 3 Female Fighter Pilots Get "Nari Shakti Puraskar" President Ram Nath Kovind presented the "Nari Shakti Puraskar" to Indian Air Force's (IAF) first women fighter pilots, Mohana Jitarwal, Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth, today at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The three female pilots was inducted into the IAF's fighter squadron after the Government of India decided to open fighter stream in the force for women on an experimental basis.
The three were first to be inducted into the squadron and conduct a solo flight in MIG-21 in 2018. They expressed their desire to serve the nation and hoped to achieve more laurels in the forthcoming years.
International Women's Day: J&K Woman Gets "Nari Shakti Puraskar" For Contributing To Dying CraftsJammu and Kashmir's Arifa Jan to be presented "Nari Shakti Puraskar" by President Ram Nath Kovind in the national capital on the occasion of International Women's Day today.
The award will be given at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan for her role in the revival of dying crafts of Jammu and Kashmir.
She said, "With support from my father and husband, I have been able to fight the conservative society and reach to this point."
The national award is given annually to individuals, groups, institutions in recognition of their exceptional work towards the cause of women's empowerment, especially towards vulnerable and marginalised women.
International Women's Day: "Small Efforts Can Make A Big Impact": 3rd Image Achiever From PM's TwitterKalpana Ramesh, taking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Twitter account said that she had never imagined to be tweeting from PM Modi's handle. She said that with firm determination one can achieve the impossible. She said that collective efforts in managing water resource can bring change in the society. She said, "Lets not deprive our next generations. Contribute by using water responsibly, harvesting rainwater, saving lakes, recycling used water and creating awareness."
International Women's Day: Differently-Abled Kerala Woman Holds Record In Lifting Heavy Jars On Finger TipsA differently-abled woman from Kerala's Kochi has the honour of possessing a rather quirky world record.
As the nation celebrates the International Women's Day, Anju Rani Joy, who is a wheelchair-bound world record holder in jar lifting.
The lady has the unique talent of lifting heavy jars with the tips of her index fingers.
Talking about her inspiring journey, Ms Joy said that "I felt sad that I was different but then I thought about my future & that's how things started to change."
She found her calling in the art of jar lifting and now she has proved to everyone that "nothing is impossible".
International Women's Day: Goa Chief Minister Praises Achievements, Efforts Of Women In SocietyGoa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant greeted women on the occasion of the International Women's Day today and appreciated their accomplishments and efforts made for the betterment of society.
In a tweet, he said women should be motivated to make greater achievements in future.
"#WomensDay is the celebration of respect, appreciation, love and care towards women in our lives and in the society. On this International Womens Day, lets appreciate the accomplishments and efforts of women in our society, and motivate them for greater future achievements."
Goa BJP chief Sadanand Tanavade also greeted women and said gender equality is essential for the growth of economies and communities.
"This day is a reminder for every human being that gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive. Greetings on #InternationalWomenDay," he tweeted.
State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane in his message said everyone should strive to make this a gender-equal world.
International Women's Day: "Giving Up Is never An Option: Woman Achiever On PM's TwitterThe second woman achiever Dr Malvika Iyer took to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's twitter account and said that she had survived a bomb blast when she was 13-years-old. The incident blew off her hands and severely damaged her legs but that did not stop her from completing her PhD. She said that giving up is never an option. She also added that one should forget her limitations and take on the world with confidence and hope.
International Women's Day: "Define Yourself, Celebrate Your Femininity": Priyanka Gandhi On Women's DayOn the occasion of International Women's Day, taking to twitter Priyanka Gandhi extended her greeting to all women all over the world. She said that women should define herself, celebrate her femininity and stay brave.
The International Women's Day is celebrated globally every year on March 8 to mark the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
International Women's Day: President Kovind Presents "Nari Shakti Puruskar,/i>" To Bihar Woman For Popularising Mushroom CultivationPresident Ram Nath Kovind presents 'Nari Shakti Puruskar' to Bihar's Bina Devi. She is known as 'Mushroom Mahila' for popularising mushroom cultivation. She was 'Sarpanch' of Dhauri Panchayat, Tetiabamber block for 5 years.
International Women's Day: Rahul Gandhi Extends Greetings On International Women's DayCongress leader Rahul Gandhi today extended his greetings on the occasion of the International Women's Day and also quoted the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi as stating that "woman is immeasurably man''s superior".
Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "If by strength is meant moral power, then woman is immeasurably man's superior."-Mahatma Gandhi. #HappyWomensDay to all the women of India. May you grow from strength to strength."
The Congress MP also shared a collage of women achievers with his tweet.
International Women's Day: 2 Elderly women From Kerala To Receive "Nari Shakti Puraskar"
Two elderly women, Bhageerathi Amma and Karthyayini Amma from Kerala, who have passed the Class IV literacy equivalent examinations will be bestowed with the Nari Shakti Puraskar today on the occasion of the International Women's Day.
Bhageerathi Amma was inspired to take the examinations conducted by State Literacy Mission in Malayalam, Mathematics and Environment in November, 2019. At 105 years, she is the oldest literacy equivalent learner under Kerala State Literacy Mission. She had to quit education to take care of her siblings. Her 67 years old daughter helped her during the examinations.
98-year-old Karthyayini Amma appeared for writing the fourth standard equivalency course under Kerala Literacy Mission's Akasharalaksham Scheme in August 2018. She bagged the first rank and scored 98% marks. She aspires to clear tenth standard equivalent examination when she turns 100 and also to acquire computer skills. She was also selected as the Commonwealth of Learning Goodwill Ambassador.
International Women's Day: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Conveys Good Wishes To Women
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today conveyed his good wishes to women on the International Women's Day and acknowledged their contribution in the development of any state or country.
Conveying his gratitude towards women, the Bihar Chief Minister said: "Women are an integral part of society and they are creating their identity on the basis of their potential. They play an important role in the development of any state or country."
"We can define development in true sense when women will be given a safe and better environment along with social and economic development," he added.
International Women's Day: Female Entrepreneur To Be Given "Nari Shakti Puraskar" For Promoting Ladakh CuisinesA woman entrepreneur from Ladakh will be given "Nari Shakti Puraskar" at Rashtrapati Bhawan on the occasion of International Women's Day for promoting Ladakhi cuisines and for sponsoring girl's education.
The President Ram Nath Kovind will present the award to Nilza Wangmo.
The national award is given annually to individuals, groups, institutions in recognition of their exceptional work towards the cause of women's empowerment, especially towards vulnerable and marginalised women.
International Women's Day: "Women Are The Pillars Of Our Society," Says Mamata Banerjee Asserting that her government is committed to the welfare and empowerment of women, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said today that they are the pillars of the society.
Recalling the state's welfare schemes such as "Kanyashree" and "Rupashree", Ms Banerjee greeted women across the globe on the occasion of the International Women's Day.
"Women are the pillars of our society. They are our pride. On #IWD2020 let me congratulate all my mothers and sisters around the world," she tweeted.
"From Kanyashree to Rupashree, our Govt in #Bangla is committed to the welfare and empowerment of women. Our Govt in #Bangla is financially empowering rural women through self- help groups," she added.
International Women's Day: Telangana Woman To Get "Nari Shakti Puraskar" For Helping TribalsPadala Bhudevi from Telangana will receive the "Nari Shakti Puraskar" from the President Ram Nath Kovind on the International Women's Day, for helping women in tribal areas develop entrepreneurship.
Ms Bhudevi has been a role model for women farmers and rural women entrepreneurs. She has been working for the development of tribal women, widows, Podu lands through a community-based organization- CAVS (Chinnai Adhivasi Vikas Society), established by her father, in 1996.
She is the Director of Manyam Grains Pvt Ltd and Manyadeepika Farmers Producer Company Ltd. Despite being forcefully married at the age of 11 years, facing mental and physical torture from husband and in-laws, Ms Bhudevi has come a long way, single-handedly raising three daughters and successfully motivating women to participate in agri-entrepreneurial activities.
International Women's Day: PM Modi Shares First Inspiring Story Of The Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted this morning he would log out of his social media accounts and give them to "seven women achievers" who will "share their life's journeys" on International Women's Day. The first to tweet from the PM's Twitter handle was Sneha Mohandoss, founder of Food Bank India.
Sneha Mohandoss wrote on twitter that she is passionate about whart she does and wishes to inspire fellow citizens, especially women to come forward and join her. She also requested people to feed at least one needy and contribute towards a hunger free planet.
Ms Mohandoss also wrote that she is working with volunteers outside India to eradicate hunger. They have impacted several people with their work. They also participate in mass cooking, cooking marathons, breast feeding awareness drives.
International Women's Day: 104-Year-Old Female Athlete To Be Given "Nari Shakti Puraskar" At Rashtrapati BhawanA 104-year old woman will be awarded the "Nari Shakti Puraskar" today at an event here in Rashtrapati Bhawan. She has bagged over 30 medals in track and field events across the globe.
Man Kaur will be presented an award for her achievements in athletics on the occasion of International Women's Day by President Ram Nath Kovind in Delhi.
The national award is given annually to individuals, groups, institutions in recognition of their exceptional work towards the cause of women's empowerment, especially towards vulnerable and marginalised women.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: "Wish all my sisters, mothers and daughters a happy #WomensDay. It is very heartening to see the growing access to opportunities for women Only when women and men become truly equal partners can we progress. My salute to all women for shaping our society and building our nation."
International Women's Day: Lt Governor Tweets On Creating "Equal Opportunities" For Women
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, on the occasion of International Women's Day, congratulated all women. He also said that women form the basis of society and family. In order to ensure safety and dignity of women one must create an equal opportunity for them, he added.
"Let Us Keep Celebrating Achievements Of Such Women," Tweets PM ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi this morning tweeted: "India has outstanding women achievers in all parts of the nation. These women have done great work in a wide range of sectors. Their struggles and aspirations motivate millions. Let us keep celebrating the achievements of such women and learning from them. #SheInspiresUs."
In another post, he wrote: "Greetings on International Women's Day! We salute the spirit and accomplishments of our Nari Shakti. As I'd said a few days ago, I'm signing off. Through the day, seven women achievers will share their life journeys and perhaps interact with you through my social media accounts."
International Women's Day: Gender Equality Benefits All, Says UN officialThe benefits of gender equality are not just for women and girls, but "for everyone whose lives will be changed by a fairer world", UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said in her message for International Women's Day, which falls on Sunday.
"We don't have an equal world at the moment and women are angry and concerned about the future," she was quoted as saying by news agency IANS. "They are radically impatient for change. It's an impatience that runs deep, and it has been brewing for years."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute To Women In Army, Air Force, Navy In a series of tweets, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to women across the country, specially those in the defence forces. "The nation is incomplete without women power. Women are an integral part of our defence forces. Their representation is increasing. They have the power to achieve every milestone with their potential," he wrote in Hindi.
In a series of tweets, he also paid respects to women across country. "Greetings and warm wishes to India's 'Stree Shakti' on the International Women's Day. This day provides us an opportunity to reflect on ways to empower women and celebrate their achievements. Let us rededicate ourselves to empowering women on this occasion," he wrote.
"Our Government is creating new opportunities and capacities for women so that they can participate in effective significant manner in the functioning of our society. Providing conducive environment for women's empowerment has to be our collective goal, mission and ambition," Mr Singh added.
International Women's Day: BJP's Yogi Adityanath Tweets On Nari Shakti
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath this morning tweeted on Women's Day. "Society, country will progress only when half of the population in the country is educated. Women empowerment is always at the heart of PM Modi's welfare schemes. Our daughters, mothers, sisters have made the country proud," he wrote in Hindi.
International Women's Day: BJP's Yogi Adityanath Tweets On Nari Shakti
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath this morning tweeted on Women's Day. "Society, country will progress only when half of the population in the country is educated. Women empowerment is always at the heart of PM Modi's welfare schemes. Our daughters, mothers, sisters have made the country proud," he wrote in Hindi.
International Women's Day: "Build A Nation Of Our Dreams," Tweets Smriti Irani With the hashtag #Sheinspiresus, Union Minister Smriti Irani, often vocal on women's issues, tweeted this morning: "This International Women's day we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive growth & parity in all endeavours. May we thrive together and build a Nation of our dreams; a New India ably enriched by Women-led development. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2020 #SheInspiresUs"
Shatrughan Sinha: "On International Women's Day, I salute the power of women world over. She is a friend, nurturer, guide, motivator, homemaker & the best multitasker playing the role of daughter, sister, wife with so much ease. I have the highest regard for women & women empowerment & advocate"
Vasundhara Raje: "Greetings on #InternationalWomenDay! Today we celebrate the women's movement & struggle for equality. We celebrate women shattering the glass ceiling & redefining their identities. Come, let's vow to ensure their safety and respect. #EachforEqual #SheInspireUs"
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh: "The Constitution laid basis for equality of women in all spheres. It took decades of efforts to start witnessing the change envisaged by founding fathers Regressive forces will always challenge women equality. Let's remember, a just & liberal society is a must for women equality"
"India Is Witnessing A New Era Of Women," Tweets Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah: "Greetings on International Women's Day. I bow to the Naari-Shakti who have time and again played a defining role in shaping and nurturing our society. Women have always been the torch bearers of our lives, their selflessness and sacrifices in any role cannot be put in words. Due to PM @narendramodi's visionary leadership, India is witnessing a new era of women led development. Women are now leading from the front. Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mudra yojana for women, Toilets under SBM, PM Ujjwala have brought holistic changes in their lives."
International Women's Day: President Ram Nath Kovind On "Safety, Respect For Women" In a series of early-morning tweets, President Ram Nath Kovind called for a safer society for women. "Let us reaffirm our pledge to ensure safety and respect for women, so that they can move forward unhindered according to their wish in the direction of fulfilling their hopes and aspirations. #WomensDay," he wrote.
In another post, he said: "On International Women's Day greetings and best wishes to women in India and across our planet. This day is an occasion to celebrate the untiring efforts and crucial role of women in building a better society, nation and world."
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik: "Be it financial independence or representing the people in Parliament, empowering women has been the cornerstone of our development initiatives. We will continue to work towards championing them in every field and create spaces for their leadership towards"
Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank: "On the occasion of #InternationalWomensDay, I extend my best wishes to all the women. We are working towards women empowerment by the way of the new education policy. Today, 'Beti Padhao, Beti Bacho' is reaching newer heights"