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International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on 8th March to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, to honour them, and to make them feel valued. The department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological (OBG) Nursing at Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, observed the International Women’s Day 2026 from 9th to 11th March 2026, aligned to the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For all Women and Girls.” The program aimed to raise awareness about women’s rights, their health, and professional empowerment through academic sessions, activities, competitions, and community-based outreach initiatives.
As part of the community-based outreach initiative, a theme-based awareness talk on “Rights, Justice and Action for all Women and Girls” was held on 9 March 2026 at the Anganwadi Center, Shankarpura. The session was conducted by Dr. Maria Pais, Assistant Professor, Department of OBG Nursing, and was attended by 42 mothers of children visiting the Anganwadi. The programme comprised an educational talk along with interactive activities such as relaxation sessions and games, designed to enhance participant engagement and well-being. The session focused on empowering women by raising their awareness of their rights, emphasizing justice for women and girls, and providing information about available health-related resources.
On 10 March 2026, a guest lecture titled “Working Without Borders: Global Perspectives on Midwifery Practice and Professional Scope” was delivered by international faculty of MCON, MAHE, Manipal - Ms Janne Gabrielle Hunsbeth, University Lecturer in Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Stavanger, Norway. The lecture highlighted global perspectives in midwifery practice and emphasised professional development and international opportunities. The session highlighted how midwifery practice extends beyond national boundaries, emphasizing the universal nature of women’s health needs and the shared responsibility of healthcare professionals. The concept of “Working Without Borders” was strongly linked to humanitarian and global health contexts, where midwives play a crucial role in caring for women and girls affected by war, displacement, famine, natural disasters, and refugee crises. The lecture highlighted how midwives contribute to maternal and newborn care in emergency and underserved settings, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, caste, religion, or socioeconomic status. A total of 60 students benefited from the session. This talk was aligned to the theme, given that Midwifery practice and professional scope go beyond the borders for helping women and girls in need due to various reasons like war, famine, drought, refugee conditions, who need the help of healthcare professionals, without being judged for their colour, caste, and creed.
The activities of the celebration continued on March 11, 2026, as well, with a guest lecture based on the theme: “A Woman’s Health is Her Fundamental Right: Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Screening and Vaccination” by Ms. Surekha, Lecturer, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, for the VI Semester BSc Nursing students. The session emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and how women can ensure that their fundamental rights are protected with easy access to essential screening, especially HPV screening and vaccination services. 70 students attended the session.
In addition to the above activities commemorating Women’s Day, an essay competition was organized for the students of MCON, MAHE, Manipal, on the theme “Give to Gain” on 11th March 2026 at OBG Lab‑I, MCON, MAHE, Manipal. A total of 12 students actively participated in the competition, which helped them reflect on women and their empowerment as well as critically analyze the social responsibility of women in and around them.
The observance of International Women’s Day 2026 was successfully planned and executed by Ms. Shoba, Assistant Professor, Department of OBG Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, under the guidance of Dr. Sonia R. B. D’Souza, Professor and Head, Department of OBG Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal. The commemoration was followed by a series of well‑organized activities that collectively fulfilled the objectives of raising awareness, enhancing academic enrichment, and strengthening community engagement. These initiatives reinforced the institution’s commitment to women’s health, rights, and empowerment.
The activities conducted as part of the observance significantly contributed to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
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