Empower Her Day at YIASCM Inspires Women to Invest, Create and Groove
Mar 9, 2026
The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, in association with the Gender Sensitization Cell and Art Space Club of Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce and Management (YIASCM), celebrated International Women's Day on 9 March 2026 at the YMK Auditorium, YIASCM Kulur Campus with the theme "Empower Her Day: Invest, Create, Groove." The programme aimed to empower women through financial literacy, creativity, and wellness activities.
Prof. Shareena P., Dean - Faculty of Commerce and Management and Vice Principal of YIASCM, delivered the inaugural address. She emphasized that true independence lies in the power to make the right decisions. She encouraged women to make confident, unregrettable choices and highlighted the importance of financial management in the modern era, noting that women must play a proactive role in financial planning and economic participation.
In his presidential remarks, Prof. Jeevan Raj, Principal of YIASCM, discussed the societal realities in which women are often granted positions legally and administratively but are not always allowed to exercise independent decision-making. He stressed that men have a crucial role in understanding and supporting women's aspirations. He also highlighted the multifaceted role of women as caregivers, leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, stating that a nation progresses in the right direction when women are given equal opportunities to exercise their rights and contribute to society. He further noted that financial management has traditionally been a strength of women and remains a vital aspect of their empowerment.
The programme was graced by the presence of Mr. Narayan Sukumar A., Vice Principal; Ms. Usha Iyer, Academic Head - ISDC; Dr. Vasanth Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dr. Savitha, Professor and Programme Coordinator; and Ms. Divya Anchan, Assistant Professor and Programme Coordinator.
Following the inaugural session, an insightful session on financial wellness was delivered by Ms. Sapna Shenoy, Investment Service Professional and Financial Educator, who guided participants on the importance of financial literacy, savings, and investment planning for women in today's dynamic economic environment.
The celebration continued with a Women's Day Art Workshop led by Ms K. Kalaiselvi, Assistant Professor, and Mr Brian D'Souza, Lecturer, in which participants engaged in creative activities that encouraged artistic expression and collaboration. To add an element of fun and engagement, spot games were organised for participants. The event concluded with an energetic Zumba session led by Ms Bhavya V. Shetty, a Certified Yoga and Zumba Trainer, which promoted physical wellness and enthusiasm among participants. As part of the celebration, a "Ladies Insta Star Challenge" was also organized to encourage the lady staff to showcase their creativity and social media engagement.
Ms Madhumitha B., Associate Professor and Programme Coordinator, welcomed the gathering, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms Shreelakshmi, Lecturer. Ms K. Kalaiselvi, Assistant Professor, compered the event.
The celebration successfully combined awareness, creativity, and wellness activities, reflecting the institution's commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality within the academic community.
