In collaboration with Rotary Club of Shankarpura, JCI Shankarpura, and the Gram Panchayat of Innanje, the department of Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education ( MAHE) organized an outreach program for the community women beneficiaries on March 8, 2025.
The program focused on empowering women through awareness sessions and engaging in fruitful discussions. Dr. Maria Pais, Assistant Professor, OBG Nursing department, delivered an inspiring session on women’s empowerment, highlighting the crucial role of education in attaining gender equality, the significance of economic independence, and the necessity for financial literacy. She emphasized that motivating women to pursue leadership positions across different sectors is very essential quoting examples of successful women who have positively impacted society. The second talk was deliberated by Mrs. Shobha, Lecturer, OBG Nursing department, who conducted an engaging session on women’s health, stressing early identification of breast and cervical cancer, by identifying early signs, understanding risk factors, and using preventive strategies. She emphasized the significance of regular screening and breast-self-examinations, and overall lifestyle modifications that can help lower cancer risks and other NCDs. Feedback was taken at the end of the program, revealing that participants greatly valued the informative and motivational sessions. Many attendees expressed a need for more frequent sessions covering topics such as women's rights, and health. The event significantly enhanced confidence and awareness among women, inspiring them and also them expressing to take positive steps towards their well-being. A total of 36 participants attended the program. At the end of the session, games were organized for the participants and prizes were distributed to the winners.
The outreach programs for the beneficiaries were a sincere effort towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, and 17 respectively which are linked to fostering good health and wellbeing, quality education, and partnership for the goals.
