It is an occasion to celebrate women’s spirit and their role in the society. It is time to honor the struggle, the tireless hard work and contribution of all women in the world and acknowledge their freedom, rights, and recognition. It is the day to pay a tribute to the women.

International Women’s Day which is celebrated on 8^th March every year is an occasion marked by women’s groups around the world. Although this date was commemorated at the United Nations since 1975, it has been observed globally on various themes and women issues. Interestingly it was the first-time experience for the women of Irunkattukottai village in Sriperumbudur district of Tamil Nadu to celebrate International Women’s Day. Organised by FSL India – Chennai Facility team, the women, children and community people for the first time in the history participated in International Women’s Day Celebration on 8^th March 2012.

Women Empowerment was the theme of International Women’s Day Celebration. Although it was celebrative event, it was also an occasion for the women and community people to come together and look back to a tradition of decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.

Mr. Sridhar from HYUNDAI graced the occasion as Chief Guest of the Women’s Day Celebration. The program started at 6.30 p.m. with honing the Chief Guest. Mrs. Jhansirani, Balaji Village President, Mrs. Stella Mercy the School Head Mistress, Mrs. Lakshmi the Village Health Nurse, Manager of MOBIS and Mr. Shiva Kumar the Vice-chairman of Sriperumbudur graced the occasion as guests of honour. The program started with lighting the lamp followed by welcome address by the School Headmistress. Members of Self-help Group enacted a skit highlighting the importance of women empowerment, education, benefits of SHG, and water and sanitation issues. The School Children performed dance on this auspicious occasion.

The Chief Guest spoke about the importance micro-credit for women to enhance the socio-economic status. In his speech he emphasized the important of use of toilet, benefits of safe disposition of garbage and upcoming activities from Hyundai. The Village President distributed the gifts and gave away prizes to the women representatives and animators of Self-help Groups. The Panchayat leaders, village development committee and SHG members expressed appreciation and gratitude to FSL India for organising the program. The program was concluded with a vote of thanks by a women representative of Self-help Group.