LIKABALI, Mar 8: Moving away from the conventional style of celebrating International Women’s Day, this year’s celebration in Lower Siang District took an unprecedented turn. Led by Deputy Commissioner Rujjum Rakshap, the district administration, in collaboration with the local public, orchestrated a grand district-level event that actively engaged male employees and community members, making it unique, inclusive, and empowering for women.
The daylong program, held at Chido Chigo General Ground in Likabali, witnessed a massive turnout of women from every circle of the district. The event was not only about participation but also about celebrating women’s achievements. The District Administration felicitated several prominent women achievers from different fields and professions, including Champion Arm Wrestler Pakjar Taipodia, internationally acclaimed bodybuilder Paklu Taipodia, and eminent fashion designer and entrepreneur Tonu Riba Ete. Additionally, pioneers and founding members of the Women Welfare Society, along with a few successful Producer Livelihood Federations (PLFs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), were also honored for their contributions.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Rakshap commended the overwhelming response from women and described them as the ‘emerging power of the world to be reckoned with’ in the coming days. He encouraged women to stand alongside their male counterparts and actively contribute to the state’s future. He also lauded ArSRLM for its revolutionary role in transforming the lives of rural women by bringing them together into powerful, self-sustaining economic groups.
Smti. Mijir Riba Taipodia, President of the Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, Lower Siang District Unit, expressed her gratitude to the District Administration and the public for organizing such a grand event. She emphasized that the massive turnout truly embodied the spirit of the International Women’s Day 2025 theme, #AccelerateAction for gender equality and women empowerment.
Retired Director of the Women & Child Development Department, Mrs. R.T. Riba, in her speech, highlighted the crucial role of women in shaping families, society, and the world at large. She became emotional while appreciating the unprecedented scale of the celebration and lauded the District Administration’s initiative as a significant step toward honoring and empowering women.
Resource persons Ms. Kombin Tao and Dr. (Ms.) Doge Ngomdir also delivered insightful lectures on various aspects of women’s evolving roles in the modern world, linking their discussions to the global theme #AccelerateAction for gender equality.
This grand celebration in Lower Siang has set a new benchmark for International Women’s Day celebrations in the state, demonstrating a strong commitment to recognizing and empowering women in every sphere of life.(DIPRO)
