By Sadman Nafeesa
The journey of Women’s rights advocacy has evolved significantly over the past century. Emerging in the early 20th century, women across the world united to demand voting rights, fair wages and improved working conditions. What began as a movement for equality soon grew into a global force, inspiring generations and shaping societies.
Over time this movement has experienced both progress and setbacks, yet its impact remains profound. Its legacy continues to influence conversations on equality, empowerment, and inclusion worldwide.
At the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), International Women’s Day on 8 March was not only commemorated but actively celebrated through initiatives including a Note-writing Competition, and a Self-defense Workshop. These activities, organised by the Gender and Culture Committee of the Student Union aimed to inspire reflection and encourage meaningful engagement within the AIT community.
One of the key activities was the Note-writing Competition organised under the theme “Unsung Women Who Make a Difference”. The competition encouraged students to reflect on and share stories about women who had made a meaningful difference in their lives. Entries featured inspiring tributes to a “Wonder Woman”, someone who “Gave Up Her Dreams So I Could Chase Mine,” one who “Was Always the Answer,” and who embodied “The Strength They Called Weakness” among others. Each story underscored the profound impact women have on our everyday lives. Selected entries were shared with the AIT community, and winners were chosen through a public voting process, helping foster wider engagement with these powerful stories.
In addition, a self defense workshop was conducted to promote personal safety and confidence among female students. The session was led by three experienced instructors, including a former Martial Arts competitor, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) instructor & competitor. The workshop brought together participants from six countries: Vietnam, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Participants were introduced to techniques for recognizing potentially unsafe situations and applying basic self-defence strategies effectively.
As part of its broader commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive campus, the committee in collaboration with Gender and Development Studies Program (GDS) also recently organised a Sexual Harassment Workshop. The session addressed different forms of harassment, reporting mechanisms, and the importance of building a respectful academic environment.
These initiatives, though small in scope, serve a larger purpose: keeping the conversation on ‘Women’s Empowerment’ alive. The celebration, conversation and self-reflection must continue as they carry forward the essence of the long journey for women’s rights.
Edited by: Office of Communications and Public Affairs
Sadman Nafeesa is the Secretary of the Gender and Culture Committee for January 2026 semester at the AIT Student Union
