State gears up for International women’s day celebrations on March 13

The state government has undertaken a series of initiatives to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 13 with a focus on ‘Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for Every Woman and Girl Child’.

Tripura has chosen a special theme for this year’s celebration—'Launch of a Collective Movement to Eliminate Child Marriage and Other Social Ills from the State and Empower Women.'

A state-wide program will be organized on March 13 at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala, as announced by Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy during a press conference at the Secretariat.

Women CDPOs, ICDS supervisors, skilled Anganwadi workers, and helpers who have made notable contributions in various fields will be felicitated at the event.

He said that to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, several programs have been scheduled across Tripura. A colorful rally will be organized in Agartala by the Tripura Women’s Commission, while the Youth Affairs and Sports Department will host a state-wide mini-marathon for women. Additionally, a cycle rally will be held under the initiative of the Tripura Child Rights Protection Commission.

“Awareness programs targeting child marriage and women’s rights have been ongoing in brick kilns and tea gardens since March 1, with active participation from the District Level Child Welfare and Child Protection Committees. Furthermore, the Education Department has planned workshops and discussion groups in schools across all districts to educate girls and their guardians about the adverse effects of child marriage. The Tripura Police will honor women officers and accomplished women from different spheres of life, reinforcing the commitment to women’s empowerment and security. Public awareness campaigns on cyber security and women’s rights are also on the agenda”, he said.

Tinku said that the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) will organize multiple events across the state, including self-defense training for women and felicitation of successful self-help group members. A special photo exhibition will showcase the achievements of these groups. Additionally, the Health Department will conduct awareness camps and set up help desks at hospitals to inform the public about child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

“From March 1 to March 8, awareness programs are being conducted at Panchayat and ward levels, engaging local representatives and the general public. The Labour Department is organizing special sessions in tea gardens, brick kilns, and industrial zones, while Agartala Municipal Corporation is conducting workshops on women’s rights and empowerment”, he said.

Minister Tinku Roy also highlighted key welfare initiatives in the state. In the current financial year, 34,974 pregnant women have benefited under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, while 21,551 have received aid under the Chief Minister Matru Pushti Upahar Yojana. Additionally, 1,373 children have been granted sponsorship and foster care allowances.

In a significant move to support working women, the government has approved Rs 114 crore for the construction of 10 working women’s hostels, with Rs 75.24 crore already sanctioned as the first installment. Sakhi Niwas in Agartala and one-stop centers in district headquarters continue to provide assistance to women in need. Plans are also underway to establish Women Hubs in all eight districts to enhance women’s self-reliance through skill development training.

The press conference was attended by Tapan Kumar Das, Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education, alongside other officials. The state government’s comprehensive efforts reflect its commitment to eliminating social challenges and empowering women across Tripura.