A report from Sister Joel and Team: 

News is pouring in from all directions, including from outside the country—Nepal.

To begin with Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, around 200 women gathered at the Social Development Centre under the banner of Jharkhand Janadhikar Maha Sabha. They came from various women’s organizations, carrying banners. The theme was women’s rights in social, political, and economic spheres. Five SCNs were present.

It was a unique celebration:

The assembly included writers, poets, ministers, social activists, representatives, freedom fighters, college and high school students, professors, and ordinary women from the fringes of towns and cities. Women from different religions, castes, and political backgrounds gathered to celebrate their womanhood and demand their rights, reported Sr. Leena Padam.

Let’s now cross the border to Dharan, yet another unique culture with carefree people. According to Sr. Aisha Kavlakattu, the theme here was Rights, Equality, and Empowerment of Women and Girls. They emphasized networking and participation, lessons they had learned from the World Social Forum in Kathmandu. Around 240 women and girls gathered to sing and celebrate WOMAN—the source of life and energy. Through mesmerizing dances and songs in vibrant colors, the artists proclaimed their power, embodying softness, compassion, and freedom. Though from humble backgrounds, they looked stunning in their attire!

Now we climb the hills to Tantrabong and experience its simple, pure, and natural beauty. Sr. Marina Thazhathuveettil described a celebration focused on gender balance! The men garlanded the women and offered them special seats. The parish priest blessed each woman with flowers. The entire parish gathered, dressed in spectacular attire, for cultural programs. The celebration ended with a sumptuous meal.

Now I invite you to another tribal belt, Chaibasa, the historic land of struggle and redemption, home to the Ho Tribes. In Chaibasa (Lupunghutu), in a village called Khutpani, over 500 people gathered from three different blocks. Cultural activities, including dance and singing competitions, captivated the crowd. Winners received prizes. The speeches focused on people’s rights over natural resources, environmental preservation, and women’s and girls’ rights. Once again, gender balance was evident—men cooked and served food to the seated women.

We come to Gaya now, the ancient city, home to Lord Buddha and a center of wisdom and civilization. Here, children from the Musahar community (the so-called ‘untouchables’) attending remedial coaching centers meticulously cleaned their surroundings in honor of Women’s Day. The theme was Women’s Rights in Family and Society. The children invited their mothers to celebrate this special day. Their thoughtful planning included games, sports, and cultural activities for their mothers. They even brought small gifts to honor them! Sr. Roselyn Karakattu and her team observed Women’s Day at the Central Jail of Gaya among the women inmates. The SCNAs and a Nazareth alumna spoke on various rights and responsibilities of women. They also distributed sanitary pads, prizes, and delicious snacks.

Moving from Gaya, let us enter Mandair, a mission station where the option for the poor is a lived reality. According to Sr. Rita Barla, celebrations took place in three different villages, each gathering between 200 and 400 people, mostly women and young girls. They celebrated their womanhood through singing, dancing, and speeches. They identified coal mines as their number one enemy and vowed to stay united in fighting for their human rights. Various women’s groups from the villages performed cultural programs showcasing their tribal heritage. At every gathering, meals were provided for all participants.

Now let us accept Sr. Franciscka Sanga’s invitation to the seashore of Kozhikode, Kerala! She had a very unique celebration. While walking on the beach in search of trafficked individuals, she met small groups of women from Rajasthan selling balloons to earn a living. These women had no homes, sleeping under trees. Sr. Franciscka learned that they had never heard of Women’s Day, which gave her an opportunity to explain its significance. They seemed happy, and she shared sweets with them as her way of celebrating Women’s Day.

A Reflection

How did thousands of women gather on Women’s Day? In India, women instinctively know about various Hindu rituals, including the dates and times. Yet, when it comes to International Women’s Day, many forget because this day has not traditionally provided them solace or spiritual power. Someone must remind them and bring them together to awaken their strength. Who is this someone? It is the social activists and their teams who, like shadows, follow these women throughout the year. For the sisters, there is a special commitment—the women and young girls serve as their support system, offering a future filled with vision and the certainty that nothing is impossible.

On this day, women forget the apparent futility of their lives. They forget the insults, oppression, and ridicule they face. The hidden strength of womanhood emerges, declaring to the world: “Men and women are not separate. Together, we shall overcome the impossible.”