Pics: Meryick D'Silva

Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru(MD)

Mangaluru, Mar 8: AJ Hospital and Research Centre, Mangaluru celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ here in its premises on Saturday March 7 at Conference hall,
Mangaluru.

Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati, IAS, inaugurated the event and delivered the keynote address.

Addressing the gathering, Korlapati asked the women folk to contribute towards empowering other woman. “What we are witnessing today is painful. We are tagged as the weaker sex,” she said encouraging the women community to bear, endure and succeed.

“Each woman has a story. We have fought battles in our own life. We have broken barriers to achieve our goals. There is discrimination within our system. But, let us
not give up. We have to take it as a challenge to do our bit and strengthen the lives of other woman”, she advised the gathering, mostly of women.

Advocate Latha C S Holla briefed about various laws, which are available in India to protect women. “Women are being discriminated in the social and industrial arena,
although the constitution of India guarantees several fundamental rights to ensure dignified life.” she said.

Referring to several laws, including Equal Remuneration Act, Prevention of sexual harassment at workplace Act, Maternity Benefit Act and formation of internal committee at workplace, the advocate asked the gathering to understand their rights and raise their voice whenever necessary. “These laws are implemented to safeguard women”, she said.

Kavitha D’Souza, gynecologist spoke about various health related issues which affect women.

Dr Amitha P Marla, director of Medical Administration and Ashritha P Shetty, director of LMET were present on the dais.