On 8th March, 2025, SIBC in collaboration with PHCER and PHiMSR, Rasayani celebrated International Women’s Day with great enthusiasm and commitment to promoting gender equality. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Noorjehan Safia Niaz, a renowned advocate for gender justice. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Accelerate Action”, focusing on the crucial aspects of Gender, Relationships, and Marriage.

Dr. Noorjehan Safia Niaz delivered an insightful keynote address, shedding light on the evolving landscape of gender dynamics, relationships, and marriage in contemporary society. She highlighted the challenges that persist due to societal stereotypes and the urgent need to accelerate action toward gender equity. She emphasized the role of education, awareness, and policy advocacy in bringing meaningful change.

Following her address, Dr. Niaz conducted an interactive workshop aimed at engaging participants in thought-provoking discussions and activities. The workshop focused on:

• Understanding gender roles and biases in society.
• Promoting equality in relationships through mutual respect and understanding.
• Redefining marriage as a partnership of equals and breaking traditional constraints.
• Legal rights and empowerment strategies for individuals in various societal roles.

More than 100 students’ participants were actively engaged in discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises, which provided them with deeper insights into fostering healthy relationships and promoting gender justice.

The session was highly impactful, inspiring students and faculty members alike. Some key takeaways included:

• The need for gender sensitization in education to challenge stereotypes early.
• The importance of communication and consent in building healthy relationships.
• The role of equal partnership in marriage, ensuring shared responsibilities and mutual growth.

The celebration of International Women’s Day was a resounding success, reinforcing the commitment to gender equity and empowerment. Dr. Noorjehan Safia Niaz’s powerful session left a lasting impression, encouraging participants to take proactive steps toward building a more inclusive society.

SIBC in association with Mahatma Night Degree College, Chembur and Stree Mukti Sanghatana, organized a celebration for International Women’s Day. The event aimed to empower women from nearby slum communities by raising awareness of their rights, highlighting women’s issues, and fostering a sense of community among attendees.

The resource person from Stree Mukti Sangathana, Ms. Alka, narrated poignant stories reflecting the challenges faced by women in labour sectors alongside introducing new laws designed to protect women’s rights against violations. The talk also emphasized the importance of education, self-reliance, and the collective strength of women in society.

SIBC in collaboration with Pillai HOC Institute of Management Studies and Research, Rasayani organised a talk for management students on the topic “Gender, Relationship and Marriage” on the 8th March, 2025.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Soroptimist Excellence Award 2025 was conferred on Ms. Honey Thaljieh, Corporate Communications Manager for FIFA – Federation Internationale de Football Association. Ms. Thalijeh is the co-founder of women’s football in Palestine, the first captain of the Palestinian national team, and the first Arab woman to obtain a FIFA Master and work at FIFA. Her work advocates for a world where equality, inclusion, and human rights prevail, using sports as a platform to elevate marginalised communities worldwide.

Ms. Thaljieh was kind to accept the award at the hands of our founder president, Dr. Daphne Pillai, The award carries a citation, a trophy and a donation by SIBC to a cause recommended by the awardee. The award ceremony was held at Dr. K.M. Vasudevan Pillai Campus, Panvel and was attended by the members of SIBC, faculty members of various institutions in the campus and the students of Education, Architecture and Engineering.

Ms. Thalijeh in her electrifying address wove her life story in a narrative that stressed upon equality, justice and peace, the role of sports to break barriers, inspire change, and empower communities worldwide. It was a most inspiring speech, specially for young women students in the audience.

Ms. Thalijeh is truly an inspiration to society and a role model to women around the world.