Across MD 317, International Women’s Day took different forms. In District 317D, a week-long program opened up conversations across campuses, public spaces, and community platforms. In District 317F, a single intervention moved beyond the day—towards steady work and independent income.
From March 1 to 8, 2026, District 317D organized a series of programs, each addressing a distinct aspect of women’s empowerment—from awareness and service activities to the recognition of women from different walks of life. Led by Chief Coordinator Vani V. Alva and her team, the effort engaged communities across multiple platforms.
The week began with the inauguration of a hoarding by District Governor Kudpi Arvind Shenoy, in the presence of Second Vice District Governor Goverdhan Shetty and PDG Kavitha Shastri. Installed at a prominent location in Mangaluru, it announced the week’s program in a public space.
Awareness efforts continued through the week with coordinated media coverage. Newspaper features, social media posts, reels, and digital updates extended the reach beyond physical events.
On campuses, nearly 200 students participated in a self-defence workshop at Canara College, Mangaluru. Led by Karthik Kateel of Swaraskha for Women Trust, the session focused on building practical self-protection skills and confidence. The organization has trained over 2,16,000 students and women across India.
Access to knowledge and well-being formed an integral part of the week. A women-centric book donation at the Central Library created a lasting public resource. Region Chairperson Region Chairperson Gayathri Rao graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Assistant Director Sri Raghavendra, Chief Librarian Mrs. Mamtha, and the library staff.
The mental health and stress management session at Sri Devi College, Mangaluru, led by Dr. Niranjan Shetty, engaged around 220 students in discussions on emotional well-being. The program was inaugurated by PDG Vasanth Kumar Shetty.
The Week in Numbers
- 8 days of district-wide activities
- 200+ students trained in self-defence
- 200+ students engaged in mental health sessions
- 500+ participants at the Saree Run finale
Spotlight on Women Achievers honoured individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed: Mrs. Dharamavathi Purandar (ASI, Barke Police Station), Mrs. K. Kusuma (senior-most lady pourakarmika, Mangaluru City Corporation), Mrs. Shashikala Manoj (professional photographer), and Mrs. Radhika (ambulance driver).
The week also included a larger gathering on March 7, featuring a keynote by Naziya Sultana, KAS, alongside District Governor Kudpi Arvind Shenoy and First Lady Mamta Shenoy. Donations were presented to Besant Women’s College and Leo District 317D, and Mrs. Manjula K. T. and Ms. Shikha Sushil were honoured.
The program concluded on March 8, with Saree Run 2026, organized by Soujanya Hegde, drawing over 500 women into a collective, spirited close to eight days of sustained engagement
On the morning of March 8, 2026, a row of blue electric autorickshaws stood ready outside Suvarna Bhavana in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. Beside each one stood a woman—trained, prepared, and ready to get into the driver’s seat.
For many of them, steady income had not been a given. Work came in pieces, often uncertain. This International Women’s Day was going to change that.
Led by District Governor Akash A. Suvarna and First Lady Ashwini Suvarna, with the support of Lion Devatha, Family Welfare and Women Specialist, several clubs of District 317F came together for a landmark celebration themed ‘Balance the Scales.’
Fifteen women received electric autorickshaws, and the opportunity to earn independently.
The financial model behind the initiative is both pragmatic and compassionate. The Lions District 317F Service Foundation mobilized ₹50,000 as seed support for each beneficiary, enabling access to bank loans of ₹2.9 lakh per vehicle. With a total project value of ₹51 lakh, clubs of the district came together to contribute ₹7.5 lakh, including Lions Clubs of Aasha, Anubandha, Birds Paradise, Kodigehalli, Kumarapark, Metro, Metro Sakhi, Samarpan Lioness, Sheshadripuram, Shikshana and Victoria.
The vehicles are practical, but what they represent is larger. Each one creates a steady line of income. Each day on the road adds to financial stability. Income supports households, and with it, more choices begin to open up.
Training played its part. These were not symbolic handovers. The women were prepared to drive, navigate the city, and manage their routes and earnings. What they received was not assistance, but a working asset.
The choice of electric autos keeps running costs lower and fits the needs of a city like Bengaluru. But the strength of the initiative lies in its simplicity: equip, enable, and trust.
By the time the vehicles were flagged off, the transition had already begun. What stood as a row of autos became fifteen individual enterprises.
What District 317F has put in place is a model that can be replicated. Structured support. Shared responsibility. Clear outcomes.
As the e-autos moved out onto the busy roads of Bengaluru, they carried more than passengers—they carried steady work, already in motion.