ICAR-CIFT  celebrated International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8, 2018. It is a worldwide event that celebrates women’s achievements – social, economic, cultural & political– while calling for gender equality. the theme for this year is: Time is now- Rural and Urban Women Transforming Women's Lives.

Dr. Suseela Mathew, Director I/C, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology presided over the function. In her talk, Dr. Suseela  greeted the women on the happy occasion of  International Women's Day and thanked all the women staff, past and present who had contributed to the success stories of the Institute. She said International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played extraordinary roles. Dr. K. K. Asha, Liaison Officer, Institute Women's Cell and Senior Scientist, Biochemistry and Nutrition Division, welcomed the gathering and spoke about the significance of the day. She remarked that for the world to see progress in the real sense, its women have to be at par with men. Though there has been progress, it's been too less and far too slow and we need to PressforProgress and BeBoldForChange - which are IWD themes for achieving gender parity.  Mrs. Roopa George, entrepreneur-restaurateur, accomplished Baharatnatyam dancer and Veena exponent and a brand ambassador for Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS) that promotes the traditional Kerela art of screw pine woven mats  was the chief guest for the day who emphasized the fact that women need to be bold and the same time take informed and balanced decisions in life. She stressed the fact that men and women should join hands to see a positive change in the lives of women. Dr. Binsi P.K. Sceintist, Fish Processing Division, proposed the vote of thanks.

As part of the celebrations, a home-made video celebrating the women staff, past and present since the inception of ICAR-CIFT was made and screened which was well received. A few roll up posters with important messages like stopping gender stereotyping  and PressforProgress for gender parity were displayed too.  Also a video showing the courage and grit of women fighter pilots of Indian Air Force and the circumnavigation around the globe of Officers belonging to Indian Navy who are braving the rough and unpredictable weather were screened. The team of sailors are expected to complete their adventure by April , 2018. Women staff of CIFT put up a stellar show by enacting a traditional dance drama based on Poothapaatttu which glorifies the courage of a mother and the sacrifices the mother makes to get back her son from the pootham. ICAR-CIFT is committed to fostering gender parity as pledged by its top management. The program concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.