International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on 8th March 2022 globally to commemorate the achievements of women. The 2022 UN theme for International Women’s day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” that acknowledges women’s contribution in various aspects of life, raises awareness against bias, and encourages others to advocate for gender equality. To mark the occasion, ICAR-CIBA organized varied programmes like free medical camp, donation for cancer patients through Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, and special invited talk by medical professionals and many competitive events for institute staff. On 5th March 2022, a free Dental Treatment Camp was organized at Government Scheduled Caste Welfare Primary School, Kottaikadu for the benefit of the villagers at Kottaikadu, Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu. A medical team from Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai examined about 68 patients including fisherwomen, men and primary school children and provided them dental checkup and treatment. Later, Dr. Aparna delivered an informative talk on oral health and measures to be taken to maintain good dental hygiene.
On 7th March 2022, for helping the cancer patients, a donation of Rs. 85,500 was collected from ICAR-CIBA staff and handed over to Dr. G. Selvaluxmy, Director and Dr. Shirley, Head of the Department, Pathology, Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai.
In addition, competitions like Rangoli with the theme “Women in Fisheries”, short elocution for two minutes and photo contest in the topics related to gender equality in fisheries and aquaculture were conducted for the staff and students.
On International Women’s Day, 8th March 2022, Dr. A. Sethuramashankaran, a renowned Consultant Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician from Lakshmi Diabetic Centre, Chennai gave an informative talk on the topic, ‘Chronic diseases- are they a prize for modernization?’. In his talk, he emphasized the risks of obesity and diabetics in the world especially in relation to women’s health. He also described the various health risks associated with the changing food and habits of modern world and also mentioned about the measures that can be taken for leading a healthy lifestyle and answered many queries related to medical issues raised by the staff. Earlier, in her welcome speech, Dr. Sherly Tomy, Principal Scientist, NGBD and Chairperson of Women Cell, ICAR-CIBA gave a brief remark on the aim and history of the programme and emphasized the need for gender equality in terms rights and opportunities across all sectors of society.
Dr. C.V. Sairam, Director In-Charge, in his address motivated women on highlighting their strengths and potential. This was followed by prize distribution event for the winners of various events and the programme concluded with vote of thanks by Mrs. K. Subhashini, PA to the Director.
