Bhubaneswar: 30/9/23: To commemorate International Day of Older Persons, HelpAge India organized a state-level discussion on “Women Empowerment: Roles, Resilience and Rewards” focused on Older Women. The panel included Prof. Dr. Asha Hans – Chairperson of SMRC, Dr. Rina Routray – MahilaAtmanirbhar Abhiyan, Dr. Pravas Mishra – Social Researcher and Columnist, Mr. BibhutiBhusan Patnaik – Honorary Secretary, Odisha RedcrossSociety discussed on the various contributions of older women to the society and nation and their issues. Ms. Bharati Chakra – State Head Odisha, HelpAge India emphasized that “the state and society must think, plan and support the elderly women in their old age to lead a life with dignity and happiness”.
Prof. Dr. Asha Hans – Chairperson encouraged society not to institutionalize the elderly but to empower them to lead lives filled with freedom and purpose. She concluded her remarks with a call to celebrate old age. Dr. Rina Routray–MahilaAtmanirbhar Abhiyan stressed the importance of addressing issues such as loneliness and isolation among elderly women and urged organizations to adopt a community-building approach for senior citizens. Dr. Pravas Mishra – a Social Researcher emphasized the need for social and community engagement to empower elderly women, both in rural and urban areas, and called for discussions on reducing discrimination against senior elderly females.
Mr. BibhutiBhusanPattnaik– Honorary Secretary, Odisha Redcross Society called for active and healthy aging, stronger pension schemes, increased awareness of elderly rights and responsibilities, and the enactment of health insurance schemes for older patients. Additionally, Mr. Patnaik advocated for the inclusion of geriatric care courses in skill-based curricula for the young generation. Mr. Ranjay Kumar Das extended vote of thanks.