KMWSC Celebrates International Women’s Day and One Billion Rising (OBR) Across all its Project Locations

On 8th March 2025, Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC) marked International Women's Day and the One Billion Rising (OBR) movement with grand celebrations across multiple project locations. This year's OBR theme, "RISE FOR FREEDOM, RISE AGAINST FASCISM," resonated deeply in each event, reinforcing the call for gender equality, women's empowerment, and collective resistance against oppression.

The celebrations took place in diverse settings, including Brickfield Schools, Kolkata Slums, Sonagachi, Basirhat, Dulki Village, Matia, Gangasagar, Diamond Harbour, Haroa, Pujali and Kalyani. Each venue embraced the spirit of the occasion through dance, drama, poetry, musical performances, and interactive games, fostering solidarity among women, children, and community members.

At Kalyani, Pujali, Haroa, and Basirhat, the Brickfield School Project brought together children, teachers, and mothers for cultural performances and engaging activities. A symbolic tree plantation drive was undertaken across the Brickfield Schools, signifying growth, resilience, and sustainability. Women participated in games like "passing the balloon," bringing joy and a sense of unity to the occasion.

In New Alipore, under the Kolkata Slums Project, the day was celebrated through drama, dance, music, and group painting, showcasing creative expressions of empowerment. Similarly, at Sonagachi, under the MIST, Sohochori, and PEPVC Projects, women shared their experiences, followed by dance performances, musical dramas, and a powerful enactment of "Break the Chain." Representatives from the councillor’s office and local police joined the event, emphasising the community’s role in supporting women's rights.

At Swarupnagar Police Station in Basirhat, under the AHT and LES Project, a special program reinforced the message of women’s safety and empowerment. Meanwhile, in Gangasagar, under the Tribal Community Development and Empowerment Project, women from tribal communities took centre stage, celebrating their rights and aspirations.

At Matia, under the Sohochori and MIST Projects, the community united to rise against oppression, echoing the global call for freedom and justice. The Human Rights Project at Diamond Harbour also commemorated the occasion with various cultural and awareness-driven activities.

A significant event was held at Agragami Sanga, Gachha under Basirhat-1, where the Surokhit Shaishav and Naya Disha teams organised an impactful program in the presence of local leaders, law enforcement officials, and community members. The day featured dance dramas on gender violence, discussions on women's rights, and the distribution of sanitary napkins, concluding with a cake-cutting ceremony to honour the spirit of womanhood.

At Banasree BFS in Basirhat, a rally with placards and slogans was taken out from the Brickfields to the main road, amplifying the voices of women and children advocating for equality and justice.

KMWSC’s International Women's Day and OBR celebrations were not just events but a powerful movement, reaffirming its commitment to empowering women, challenging societal barriers, and creating safe spaces for marginalised communities. The organisation stands steadfast in its mission to uplift women and girls, ensuring they have the voice, agency, and opportunities they deserve.

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