On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, Deccan Development Society (DDS) and women’s sanghams organized a vibrant and empowering program at Zaheerabad, bringing together hundreds of rural women, community leaders, and activists to celebrate women’s strength, collective action, and leadership.
The program began with a large awareness rally through the streets of Zaheerabad, where women carried placards and raised slogans promoting women’s rights, equality, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods. The rally emphasized the importance of women’s participation in society and the need to protect women’s rights, health, and environment.
As part of the celebrations, several cultural activities and traditional games were organized to encourage participation and community bonding among women. Special attention was given to millet, lentils, and pulse seed-separation games, showcasing traditional knowledge systems and the importance of biodiversity conservation, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture practiced by rural women for generations.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Bharosa Centre and Sakhi Centre, and Area Judge G. Kavitha Devi participated as a representative from the judiciary and addressed the gathering on women’s legal rights, justice, protection mechanisms, and the importance of awareness among women regarding legal support systems. Speakers emphasized that women’s collectives and solidarity play a crucial role in building confidence and creating social transformation
Community leaders Anishamma, Nagamma, and Lakshamamma spoke passionately about environmental protection and emphasized that protecting plants, seeds, forests, and biodiversity is also a women’s right and responsibility. She highlighted how women have historically safeguarded natural resources and how community-led conservation strengthens both livelihoods and ecological sustainability.
Speakers also created awareness on women’s collectivism, leadership, solidarity, and grassroots action. Discussions reflected on the long journey of DDS and how rural women, through collective farming, natural farming practices, seed conservation, and Sangham-based organizing, transformed their lives and became economically and socially empowered over the years.
The program celebrated not only women’s achievements but also their ongoing struggles and contributions toward sustainable agriculture, food security, environmental protection, and community development. Women participants actively shared experiences, songs, and stories that reflected resilience, unity, and hope for a more equal future.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment toward strengthening women-led movements, promoting natural farming, protecting traditional seeds, and building stronger women’s collectives across the region.