USTM marks international Women’s Day with empowering sessions and community outreach

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 8, 2025

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) celebrated International Women’s Day with a series of impactful events designed to empower, educate, and uplift women. Various departments came together to organize special initiatives addressing women’s health, financial literacy, legal rights, and social empowerment.

The Centre for Gender Studies and the Department of Economics spearheaded an empowering session for USTM’s housekeeping staff, themed “Self-care Matters: Prioritizing Women’s Health & Financial Literacy.” The session focused on promoting well-being and financial awareness among women, emphasizing the importance of self-care and economic independence.

The Department of Social Work conducted a thought-provoking session, “Celebrating Her Rights: Empowerment of Women in India,” featuring Felicita Majaw, former member of the Meghalaya State Women Commission. She shared valuable insights into women’s rights and the ongoing journey toward gender equality in India.

The Department of Computer Science extended its celebrations beyond campus with an outreach program, “Celebrating the Strength and Stories of Women,” held at the Sampriti Hewa Foundation, Guwahati. Students engaged with women at the foundation, acknowledging their resilience and contributions to society.

Health and well-being were also central themes of the celebrations. The Department of Physiotherapy organized a day-long Free Physiotherapy Camp exclusively for women, offering essential consultations and raising awareness about physical health. Similarly, the Department of Commerce conducted an outreach program on “Women’s Health and Hygiene” at Assisi School, Ri Bhoi. Female students participated in awareness sessions, received sanitary pad distributions, and attended a session on health and hygiene led by Dr. Trishna Sharma from IA Ayurvedic Medical College. The department also hosted a discussion on “Women’s Empowerment through Banking and Financial Inclusion,” featuring Ms. Pubali Hazarika, Senior Manager, Kotak Mahindra Bank.

The University School of Law and Research (USLR) took an innovative approach to legal education by organizing an outreach program in Tamulikuchi, 13th Mile, aimed at educating locals on their legal rights, particularly regarding First Information Reports (FIRs). Students enacted a mock FIR filing at a police station, providing a step-by-step demonstration to enhance legal awareness within the community.

Several other departments also contributed to the celebrations. The Department of Earth Science held a special event commemorating Women’s Day. The Department of Sociology screened the award-winning film Village Rockstars as part of its Best Practice Movie Club initiative. The Department of Political Science organized a lecture on “Women & Empowerment: Expectations & Realities,” encouraging discussions on gender equality and societal progress.