In celebration of International Women's Day, Initiative for Gender Equity and Sensitisation (IGES) organised a compelling talk titled "Rise to Shine: Embracing Challenges for Success." The event, held on March 6, 2024, took a poignant approach by addressing the specific mental health struggles encountered by women in their daily lives, be they students or working professionals. This focus on the occasion of International Women's Day underscored the importance of recognizing and addressing gender-specific challenges within the broader context of mental health.

Prof. Angelie Multani, Dean, Diversity and Inclusion, under whose office IGES operates said that this talk was important to address the issues of work/life balance and mental wellness which women in particular often suppress or ignore as they are trying to juggle and fulfil all their personal and professional responsibilities.

The event featured distinguished speakers, Dr. Rachna Bhargava, a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and Ms. Divyani Khurana, a dedicated Clinical Psychologist from AIIMS Students' Wellness Centre. Both speakers brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion, providing valuable insights into the complexities of mental health struggles and practical strategies for overcoming them.

"Rise to Shine: Embracing Challenges for Success" concluded with a message of empowerment, resilience, and the importance of prioritising mental health. The decision to organise this event on International Women's Day was meaningful. The event achieved its goal of raising awareness and equipping attendees with practical tools for navigating life's challenges, ultimately contributing to a more holistically happy and satisfied life.

IGES extends its gratitude to all participants, and speakers for making this event a success. The commitment to fostering a culture of well-being and empowerment remains a cornerstone of IGES’s initiatives.