On March 8, 2026, the NABARD Manipur Regional Office in Imphal celebrated International Women’s Day with the theme “Give to Gain,” emphasizing the empowerment of women as crucial for a stronger socio-economic landscape. General Manager Partha Mandal expressed the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to rural and agricultural economies, highlighting the need for access to finance, market opportunities, and leadership roles. He noted NABARD’s commitment to women’s empowerment through initiatives like the Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme and the SHE Mart. Mandal called for collaborative efforts from institutions and governments to create a supportive ecosystem for women’s development.
Chief Guest N. Bandana Devi, Secretary of SLEE, emphasized the significance of sharing experiences among women and mentioned the MSRLM’s work with over 130,000 women to enhance their roles through SHGs. She praised NABARD’s initiatives and encouraged SHG members to empower themselves and their communities. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of women’s health as foundational to empowerment. The event featured presentations on NABARD initiatives, e-commerce opportunities, stories of women’s achievements, and an exhibition of SHG products, culminating in a vote of thanks by Dineshor Thoudam, Assistant General Manager of NABARD. Overall, the day highlighted the ongoing journey towards women’s empowerment and the collective responsibility to support it.
