A strong message of women’s empowerment marked the celebration of International Women’s Day by Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd. at its Belagavi Regional Office on April 3, 2026. The event brought together around 180 women from various Souharda cooperatives, highlighting the growing role of women in the cooperative movement.
Held in Belagavi, the programme focused on awareness, leadership, and capacity-building among women members. It was inaugurated by cardiologist Dr. Suhasini Chandrakanth Atharga, who emphasized the importance of balancing mental and physical health, particularly addressing rising heart disease concerns among women.
The event was presided over by Jagadish Kavatagimath, while the keynote address was delivered by Regional Officer Basavaraj Hongal, who underlined the role of cooperatives in empowering women economically and socially.
Key sessions included a lecture by Dr. Nirmala Battal on the theme “Give to Gain,” encouraging women to actively participate in community-building. Awareness on cyber safety was delivered by Suman Pawar, reflecting the increasing importance of digital literacy among women.
The programme also featured participation from law enforcement and education sectors, reinforcing a multi-dimensional approach to empowerment, spanning health, safety, and education.
With active participation and focused discussions, the event reaffirmed the cooperative sector’s commitment to strengthening women’s voices and leadership at the grassroots level.