UGC asks universities, colleges to organise week-long events for International Women's Day

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all higher educational institutions to organise events and programmes for International Women's Day. UGC has asked the colleges and universities to conduct the events in the week beginning from March 1 and culminating on March 8, International Women's Day.

As per UGC, the initiative will bring a step closer towards gender equality and the vision of women living with dignity and contributing as equal partners in development in an environment free from violence and discrimination.

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The UGC notice reads: "To mark International Women's Day, Ministry of Women and Child Development awards "Nari Shakti Puraskars' at national level to recognize exceptional work undertaken towards women empowerment. This year too, International Wornen's Day will be celebrated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development at national level by conferring Nari Shakti Awards to individuals".

"It goes without saying that efforts must be made by all stakeholders to mark International Women's Day by celebrating women's achievements, focus on eliminating gender based violence and discrimination along with adopting innovative approaches to bring perceptible changes to the social, political, economic and cultural empowerment of women", the notice further added.

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The Ministry of Women and Child Development will confer the 'Nari Shakti Awards' to individuals on the occasion of International Women's Day. International Women's Day also strives to raise awareness of women's concerns and promote women's rights. This day is observed to recognize women's achievements and to serve as a call to action for gender equality.