Poet Smita Amrutharaj said that economic independence alone is not sufficient for women’s empowerment and must be accompanied by financial literacy, decision-making ability, self-confidence and social support.
She was speaking as the chief guest at the International Women’s Day programmeorganised at Gandhi Bhavan by the Kodagu District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and Madikeri Taluk Panchayat.
Amrutharaj noted that International Women’s Day is not merely a celebration but a reminder of the struggles of women workers in the early 20th century who fought for better wages, reduced working hours and voting rights.
She observed that women were historically treated as second-class citizens but are now achieving empowerment through education and economic opportunities.  Referring to the contributions of Savitribai Phule, she said that the pioneering reformer played a major role in women’s education despite strong opposition and laid the foundation for women’s empowerment.
She stressed that society must respect women and provide equal opportunities in education and employment. Women should accept opportunities with confidence and overcome feelings of inferiority, she said.
Madikeri Taluk Panchayat President Mandrira Mohandas, who inaugurated the programme, said Women’s Day should not be limited to one day and emphasised that women must actively participate in all fields for societal development.
Taluk Panchayat EO Shekhar, Municipal Council President P. Kalavathi, Sanjeevini Union President Rani and others also addressed the gathering.
Smita Amrutharaj was felicitated during the programme. Souvenirs were distributed to 26 Gram Panchayat-level Sanjeevini unions, and cultural programmes followed the formal event.
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