On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026 (8 March), a series of awareness and community-based programmes were organised by BREADS’ Don Bosco partners across seven districts of Karnataka, including Vijayanagara, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Chitradurga, Davanagere, and Raichur. The programmes promoted the need for empowerment, health awareness, mental well-being, and legal literacy among women. The programmes collectively reached 1,332 participants, including children, parents, trainees, community leaders, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and self-help group members.
Sessions conducted in Chitradurga, Yadgir, and Devadurga emphasised the importance of mental health, emotional resilience, and self-confidence, highlighting the direct impact of women’s well-being on family and community health. Resource persons, including counsellors and health professionals, addressed topics such as stress management, emotional well-being, and the importance of seeking support.
In Devadurga and Kalaburagi, special attention was given to women’s health issues, including menstrual hygiene, anemia prevention, reproductive health, malnutrition, and menopause awareness. Health professionals conducted awareness sessions and basic health screenings, encouraging women to adopt better health practices and seek timely medical care. Similarly, in Chitradurga, sessions on self-confidence and mental health used interactive approaches to engage participants and strengthen their ability to face personal and social challenges.
In Yadgir, the programme uniquely combined mental health awareness with information on government welfare schemes, enabling women to understand and access opportunities for their socioeconomic development.
Legal awareness and women’s rights formed another major component of the celebrations, particularly in Kalaburagi and Davangere. Legal experts and advocates highlighted women’s rights, gender equity, and available legal provisions to address family and social issues. The sessions also emphasised the importance of equal opportunities, safety, and dignity for women, encouraging participants to be aware of their rights and make informed decisions.
A mega parents awareness programme in Hosapete, Vijayanagara, reached out to 760 parents, focussing on their mental health challenges faced in raising children and adolescents, addressing concerns such as substance abuse, mobile addiction, and behavioural changes.
In Lingarajapuram, Bangalore, the specially abled female trainees of DB BEST Academy and the mothers of the students in the Don Bosco Social Action Centre were animated on the theme Give to Gain, reflecting on the roles of women in society, and the need for self-care in order to sustain themselves and their rights.
The programmes also incorporated community engagement activities, cultural performances, competitions, and interactive sessions, which helped create a participatory and inclusive environment. These activities encouraged women to express themselves, build connections, and actively engage in the learning process.
Overall, the International Women’s Day programmes across Karnataka successfully created awareness on key issues affecting women and families, including health, mental well-being, legal rights, and social empowerment. These programmes served as meaningful platforms to educate, engage, and inspire women, reinforcing the message that empowered women are central to building stronger families and communities.
