Voices, performances, and discussions filled Rohi Villa Palace in Koregaon Park, Pune, as people gathered on 8th March 2026 to observe International Women’s Day. The event celebrated women’s achievements while creating space for dialogue on equality, rights, and leadership. The programme was jointly organised by the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), the YouthAid Foundation (YAF), the Young Entrepreneurs Federation of India (YEFi), the YouthAid Global (YAG), the NTL Alliance, Bajaj Finserv, Terre des Hommes, and Empower, with support from UPS.
The event served as a platform to recognise women’s contributions and promote discussions on gender equality, leadership, and inclusion. The programme brought together youth, adolescents, women leaders, social activists, community members, and representatives from different organisations. Through discussions, cultural performances, and interactive activities, the event aimed to promote gender equality, encourage youth leadership, and create awareness about policies that support an equitable society.
The event was inaugurated by Ms Dilmeher Bhola, President of Centre for Youth Development and Activities, along with Ms Betty Costa from UPS and Ms Kalpana Dhotre from Young Entrepreneurs Federation of India.
While addressing the audience, Ms Dilmeher Bhola emphasised that gender discrimination often begins at home, where roles are assigned at an early stage. She highlighted that conscious efforts and change must start within families. She also spoke about the importance of empathy in bringing real social change. According to her, change does not begin with numbers or statistics but when people truly see, listen to, and understand each other. Empathy helps society move from judgment to understanding, from comparison to respect, and from silence to support.
In her address, Ms Betty Costa highlighted the importance of treating men and women equally. She said that equality should begin at home and be practised in everyday life. Encouraging grassroots women entrepreneurs, she appreciated their efforts and motivated them to continue their businesses. She also assured that UPS will continue to support and encourage women entrepreneurs in their journey.
A panel discussion on “Equal Pay for Equal Work: Why Is It Still a Challenge?” was organised during the programme. The discussion brought together experts from different fields to share their perspectives on wage inequality and the challenges women continue to face in the workplace. The panellists included Adv. Ms Khushboo Kejariwal, Ms Medha Thatte from Sramik Mahila Sanghatana, Dr Kuldeepsingh Rajput, Labour and Development Practitioner and Founder of RUBAL Foundation, Ms Prerana Waghela from Infosys, and Adv. Ms Ujwala M. Jadhav.
During the discussion, Adv. Khushboo Kejariwal highlighted that although laws exist, organisations and institutions must ensure their proper implementation. She emphasised that women should be aware of their rights and continue to demand equal opportunities.
Ms Prerana Waghela stressed that everyone is equal, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. She stated that equal pay for equal work is non-negotiable and skilled workers should receive fair wages.
Ms Medha Thatte highlighted that in the unorganised sector, entire families often work together, including children, even though child labour is not permitted. She emphasised the need to define fair wages based on the amount of work and time invested and encouraged collective action to demand fair compensation.
Dr Kuldeepsingh Rajput also spoke about wage inequality and emphasised that women must raise their voices and organise themselves to demand equal pay. Adv. Ms Ujwala M. Jadhav stressed the importance of awareness about rights and encouraged people to read and understand the Constitution. Ms Kanchan Pawar, a mental health counsellor, and RJ Tejaswini also addressed the audience and shared insights on the importance of mental well-being and inclusion.
Participants presented a street play that highlighted the social issues faced by women and girls. Adolescent girls and boys also performed a martial arts demonstration that highlighted the importance of self-defence and confidence. Another street play on STEM encouraged girls to explore opportunities in science and technology. Gender equality games were organised to help participants understand the importance of equal opportunities for women and men. An exhibition was also organised where grassroots women entrepreneurs displayed their products and shared their experiences. A fashion show was conducted as part of the cultural programme, celebrating diversity and inclusion. Women from the NTL Alliance performed a street play titled “Komal Hu Kamjor Nahi, Awaaz Hamari.” The performance encouraged women to raise their voices against discrimination. This was followed by an experience-sharing session by women working in male-dominated sectors. They shared their journeys, challenges, and the courage required to break social barriers.
Ms Jyotsna Bahirat, Director of Young Entrepreneurs Federation of India, Mr M. N. Sanyal, CEO of YouthAid Foundation, Ms Neela Kale, Director of Centre for Youth Development and Activities, and Mr Ashish Ingole, Director of YouthAid Global, were also present on the occasion. The event highlighted the importance of equality, respect, and opportunities for women and gender diverse communities. It also encouraged youth, women, and communities to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
By Soumyashree Mohanty, ImpactLens Correspondent
