Bhubaneswar: A youth conference was organized at Rama Devi Women’s University on Sunday to mark International Women’s Day 2025.
The event aimed to engage young minds in discussions about women’s rights, empowerment, and key social issues.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida was the chief guest at the conference and interacted directly with students from Rama Devi Women’s University as well as other colleges attending the event.
During her address, the Deputy Chief Minister spoke about important topics such as women’s empowerment, sexual violence, the role of women in politics, mental health, gender inequality, and women’s participation in the economy.
She stressed that empowering youth and building self-confidence would further strengthen women’s rights. “Women’s empowerment is not just a slogan. It is a continuous process that will be passed down from generation to generation. If a mother is brave, her daughter will be brave too,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of balancing career and child-rearing, emphasizing that society must change its perception of women. “Mental health is very important in today’s changing society, and it is important to maintain good mental health alongside talent and qualifications,” she added.
The Deputy Chief Minister encouraged young women to practice yoga and pranayama to support their mental well-being.
She further assured the audience that women’s safety remains a top priority for the government.
“The Vishaka Guidelines will soon be implemented in the state and women’s courts will be prioritized,” she said.
She also shared her belief that those who cause harm are the true victims, not the ones who suffer.
The event was also attended by Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Monisha Banerjee, Director of Women & Child Development, and faculty members from Rama Devi Women’s University.
